Pat Robertson, a prominent Evangelical Christian leader and former Republican presidential candidate, has passed away at 93 years old.
As a key figure in the movement to bolster the political influence of the religious right, Pat Robertson played a significant role in shaping US politics.
In 1960, Pat Robertson founded the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN), which he successfully nurtured into a sprawling cable media empire.
On Thursday, CBN announced the passing of Pat Robertson, without disclosing the cause of his death, leaving the public in mourning.
Pat Robertson's remarkable influence extended to founding the Christian Coalition, a pivotal organization that emerged as a key player in Republican politics, beginning in the 1980s.
The Christian Coalition, under Pat Robertson's guidance, offered endorsements, financial aid, and organizational backing to candidates
Aligned with their stance on contentious social issues such as abortion, religious freedom, and "traditional" values.
– Pat Robertson sought the Republican nomination for president in 1988.
Pat Robertson came in second place in the Iowa caucuses, after Kansas Senator Robert Dole. He received strong support from the state's large evangelical community.
Pat Robertson's bid for the White House lost momentum after George H.W. Bush, who would go on to win the Republican nomination and the presidency, won the New Hampshire primary.
Pat Robertson faced strong criticism for seemingly attributing the 9/11 attacks in the US to American cultural liberalism, including the gay rights movement and abortion, drawing widespread condemnation.
In 2010, Pat Robertson blamed the devastating earthquake in Haiti on a "pact with the devil" that Haitians allegedly made during their fight for independence from France.
After Donald Trump was elected president, Pat Robertson said that those who opposed him were "revolting against what God's plan is for America".