Overview
- Pope Leo XIV’s phone saga happened last year a few months after he moved to the Vatican, according to his friend Rev. Tom McCarthy.
- Calling his Chicago bank as Robert Prevost, he answered security questions but was told the change required an in‑person visit.
- He then said, “Would it matter to you if I told you I’m Pope Leo?” and the customer service representative ended the call, McCarthy recounted.
- The issue was later resolved after Rev. Bernie Scianna reached the bank’s president, and the pope’s phone number was updated.
- Multiple outlets reported the anecdote as it went viral online, with coverage noting the account comes from McCarthy and that the bank and the Vatican have not offered detailed confirmation.