Why Would the Bank Hang Up on the Pope? (The Drew Mariani Show)

What kind of man personally calls his bank after becoming pope? According to Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A., Pope Leo XIV does exactly that. Joining Drew on The Drew Mariani Show, Fr. Tom shared a story that has already spread across the internet because it perfectly captures the humility of the new Holy Father. A longtime Augustinian who has known Pope Leo since the 1980s, Fr. Tom described him as “one of the most peaceful men you will ever meet.” A few months into his papacy, Pope Leo reportedly called his Chicago bank to update his phone number. Rather than asking an assistant to handle it, he made the call himself. After answering security questions, the bank employee informed him that policy required him to appear in person. “He said, ‘Well, I really can’t do that right now,’” Pope Leo said. When he finally explained, “Would it matter to you if I told you that I’m Pope Leo?” the employee assumed it was a prank and hung up. The story made Drew laugh, but it also revealed the humility of the Holy Father, who took it upon himself to perform a menial task while assuming one of the most important roles on earth. “What I just love about the story is how human Pope Leo is,” Fr. Tom said. “He’s like us, but he’s called by God and he’s following God’s call.” The conversation also touched on what some are calling the “Leo effect.” Fr. Tom explained that interest in the Augustinian order has surged since Pope Leo’s election. Young men are learning about the order, visiting communities, and discerning religious life. “Because Pope Leo is an Augustinian, people look us up,” Fr. Tom said. “They like what they see.” The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.