How to remove Vatican Ransomware and decrypt .POPE files

What is Vatican Ransomware

Vatican Ransomware represents a recent wave of crypto-malware specifically designed to encrypt user files and extort victims for payment, employing scare tactics rooted in religious symbolism. Upon execution, this ransomware targets user data by scanning various file types – documents, images, archives – and encrypting them using robust cryptographic algorithms, typically employing a combination of symmetric (such as AES) and asymmetric (usually RSA) encryption to maximize effectiveness and hinder manual recovery efforts. Once data has been rendered inaccessible, the malware alters the file names, appending the distinctive .POPE extension, making it obvious at a glance which files have been compromised (e.g., “photo.jpg” becomes “photo.jpg.POPE”). Alongside the encrypted files, Vatican Ransomware generates a pop-up ransom note directly on the infected system’s desktop or in certain affected directories, containing multilingual threats and payment instructions heavily laced with references to the Vatican and Christian doctrine. This note claims the only way to recover one’s data is to purchase a so-called “Holy Decryption Key”, deliberately invoking religious guilt and urgency. However, despite these intimidating messages, evidence suggests the operators behind Vatican Ransomware have no intention of providing a decryption solution to victims, implying the strain may be more about causing chaos or amusement than profit.

Currently, there are no reliable or publicly available decryption tools capable of restoring files affected by Vatican Ransomware, as its encryption routines do not appear to suffer from significant flaws or vulnerabilities Researchers and security companies have yet to release a working decryptor, and there is no indication that the private keys are stored anywhere on the infected machine – keys critical to decrypting .POPE files are exclusively controlled by the attackers. Attempts to restore data by paying the ransom are strongly discouraged, as victims are routinely left without recourse or decryption after payment, further funding criminal operations. If affected, the most effective remediation is to remove the ransomware using reputable anti-malware tools, such as Combo Cleaner or other trusted security software, to prevent further spread and additional system compromise. File recovery efforts should be limited to restoring clean backups created before infection or attempting data recovery from shadow copies or external storage, if available. Users are encouraged to report incidents to cybercrime authorities and avoid further interaction with the attackers. As no legitimate workaround or unlock method has been released for .POPE – encrypted files, vigilance, proper backup practices, and maintaining updated defenses remain the best strategies for protection and future recovery.

How Vatican Ransomware infects computers

Vatican Ransomware primarily infects computers through phishing and social engineering tactics, exploiting unsuspecting users to execute malicious software. Typically, this ransomware is disguised as or bundled with seemingly legitimate files, such as documents, executables, or compressed archives, which are often disseminated via spam emails or dubious download sources. Once users open these deceptive files, the ransomware is triggered, initiating the encryption of data and appending the “.POPE” extension to compromised files. Additionally, Vatican Ransomware can spread through other prevalent methods, including drive-by downloads, malvertising, and infected software updates or cracks. The malware may also exploit network vulnerabilities to propagate within local environments, thereby increasing its reach and potential damage. To mitigate the risk of infection, users should exercise caution with unsolicited emails, maintain robust security software, and ensure all programs are updated from legitimate sources.

1. Download Vatican Ransomware Removal Tool
2. Get decryption tool for .POPE files
3. Recover encrypted files with Stellar Data Recovery Professional
4. Restore encrypted files with Windows Previous Versions
5. Restore files with Shadow Explorer
6. How to protect from threats like Vatican Ransomware

Vatican Ransomware files:


ransom_note.html
{randomname}.exe


Vatican Ransomware registry keys:

no information

How to decrypt and restore .POPE files

Use automated decryptors

Download Kaspersky RakhniDecryptor

Use the following tool from Kaspersky called Rakhni Decryptor, that can decrypt .POPE files. Download it here:

Download RakhniDecryptor

There is no purpose to pay the ransom because there is no guarantee you will receive the key, but you will put your bank credentials at risk.

Dr.Web Rescue Pack

Famous antivirus vendor Dr. Web provides free decryption service for the owners of its products: Dr.Web Security Space or Dr.Web Enterprise Security Suite. Other users can ask for help in the decryption of .POPE files by uploading samples to Dr. Web Ransomware Decryption Service. Analyzing files will be performed free of charge and if files are decryptable, all you need to do is purchase a 2-year license of Dr.Web Security Space worth $120 or less. Otherwise, you don’t have to pay.

If you are infected with Vatican Ransomware and removed from your computer, you can try to decrypt your files. Antivirus vendors and individuals create free decryptors for some crypto-lockers. To attempt to decrypt them manually, you can do the following:

Use Stellar Data Recovery Professional to restore .POPE files

1. Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional.
2. Click Recover Data button.
3. Select the type of files you want to restore and click Next button.
4. Choose the location where you would like to restore files from and click Scan button.
5. Preview found files, choose ones you will restore and click Recover.

Download Stellar Data Recovery Professional

Using Windows Previous Versions option:

1. Right-click on infected file and choose Properties.
2. Select Previous Versions tab.
3. Choose a particular version of the file and click Copy.
4. To restore the selected file and replace the existing one, click on the Restore button.
5. In case there are no items in the list, choose an alternative method.

Using Shadow Explorer:

1. Download Shadow Explorer program.
2. Run it, and you will see a screen listing of all the drives and the dates that shadow copy was created.
3. Select the drive and date that you want to restore from.
4. Right-click on a folder name and select Export.
5. In case there are no other dates in the list, choose an alternative method.

If you are using Dropbox:

1. Login to the Dropbox website and go to the folder that contains encrypted files.
2. Right-click on the encrypted file and select Previous Versions.
3. Select the version of the file you wish to restore and click on the Restore button.

How to protect computer from viruses, like Vatican Ransomware, in future

1. Get special anti-ransomware software

Use ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

Famous antivirus brand ZoneAlarm by Check Point released a comprehensive tool, that will help you with active anti-ransomware protection, as an additional shield to your current protection. The tool provides Zero-Day protection against ransomware and allows you to recover files. ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware is compatible with all other antiviruses, firewalls, and security software except ZoneAlarm Extreme (already shipped with ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware) or Check Point Endpoint products. The killer features of this application are: automatic file recovery, overwrite protection that instantly and automatically recovers any encrypted files, file protection that detects and blocks even unknown encryptors.

Download ZoneAlarm Anti-Ransomware

2. Back up your files

As an additional way to save your files, we recommend online backup. Local storage, such as hard drives, SSDs, flash drives, or remote network storage can be instantly infected by the virus once plugged in or connected to. Vatican Ransomware uses some techniques to exploit this. One of the best services and programs for easy automatic online backup is iDrive. It has the most profitable terms and a simple interface. You can read more about iDrive cloud backup and storage here.

3. Do not open spam e-mails and protect your mailbox

Malicious attachments to spam or phishing e-mails are the most popular method of ransomware distribution. Using spam filters and creating anti-spam rules is good practice. One of the world leaders in anti-spam protection is MailWasher Pro. It works with various desktop applications and provides a very high level of anti-spam protection.

Download MailWasher Pro