Pope Leo XIV Mistaken for Prank Caller During Account Update

(MENAFN) An unusual banking incident involving Pope Leo XIV has drawn attention after the pontiff was reportedly mistaken for a prank caller when attempting to update his personal information over the phone.

The story, shared by a long-time friend of the Vatican leader and cited by reports, took place shortly after Leo—born Robert Francis Prevost and elected as the first American pope in 2025—began his new role in the Vatican.

According to the account, the Pope contacted his bank roughly two months into his papacy to update his phone number and address following his relocation. Speaking at a Catholic event in Illinois, his longtime friend Tom McCarthy said the conversation began routinely, with Leo correctly responding to a series of security verification questions.

Despite successfully completing the verification process, the employee reportedly told him that any account changes would still require an in-person visit to a branch.

“Well, I’m not going to be able to do that,” McCarthy recalled the Pope responding. “I gave you all the security questions.”

Leo then allegedly attempted to clarify his identity more directly.

“Would it matter to you if I told you I’m Pope Leo?” he asked, according to McCarthy.

At that point, the call was abruptly ended, with the bank employee apparently believing it was a joke.

The same account was later confirmed by his brother, John Prevost, who told CNN that Leo had answered several security questions before the call was disconnected. “She said, ‘Oh really?’ and hung up,” Prevost said, adding that the employee “just thought it was a prank.”

MENAFN10052026000045017281ID1111092570