Bank Teller Hangs Up on Pope Leo XIV During Call

A bank teller in Chicago recently hung up on Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from America, when he called the bank from the Vatican to update his phone number, as shared by a friend of the pope.

Father Tom McCarthy, who has known Pope Leo for over 40 years, recounted the incident at a rally in Illinois. After the pope answered the usual security questions, the tellers saw a message indicating that changes to accounts had to be conducted in person.

“Will you mind if I say I’m Pope Leo?” the pope asked when he couldn’t come in person to make the updates. Unfortunately, the teller hung up on him.

This story went viral on social media recently. According to McCarthy, the pope was able to change his phone number thanks to another priest who contacted the bank president directly.

“Could you imagine being known as the woman who called the Pope?” McCarthy mused. Christopher Hale from Letters from Leo noted that it was Father Bernie Siena who facilitated the communication with the bank president, as the bank was eager to retain the pope’s account.

The Vatican has not yet responded to requests for comment.

In other news, reports indicate Marco Rubio’s visit to the Vatican coincides with tensions involving President Trump and Pope Leo, as discussions related to a military withdrawal are anticipated. Rubio, a practicing Catholic, is set to meet with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s top diplomat. Italian media also suggests he may meet with the Italian foreign and defense ministers, although it’s uncertain if a meeting with the pope will take place.

Rubio, along with Vice President J.D. Vance, attended Pope Leo’s inaugural Mass in May 2025 and had an informal meeting with him shortly after.