Fake Profiles of Pope Leo XIV Exploding on Facebook

Introduction

Since Cardinal Robert Prevost’s election as Pope Leo XIV, a troubling phenomenon has emerged on social media, especially on Facebook. Dozens of fake profiles have quickly proliferated, impersonating the new pontiff. These accounts have no official connection to Pope Leo XIV but are deceiving many users, particularly within the Catholic community. In this article, we explore this phenomenon and highlight the risks associated with these fake profiles.

Fake Profiles of Pope Leo XIV: A Growing Phenomenon on Facebook

The election of Cardinal Robert Prevost as Pope Leo XIV has garnered significant attention worldwide, especially within the Catholic community. Although he is not very active on Facebook, numerous fake profiles have appeared on the platform claiming to represent the pope. A simple search for "Robert Prevost" or "Robert Francis Prevost" reveals dozens of fictitious accounts, some of which appear very convincing.

These fake profiles do not always share posts. Some only change their profile picture or display a generic image of Pope Leo XIV. Others post photos, inspirational messages, and even Reels to attract followers. One example featured a fake profile with a photo of the pope waving to the crowd, accompanied by the word "Gratitude." This post prompted numerous comments, with some praising the pope as if it were truly him.

Scammers Behind Fake Profiles: Beware of Fraud

While these fake accounts may seem harmless at first, some hide malicious intentions. Scammers, often located in Niger, use these profiles to solicit cryptocurrency donations, claiming to help the poor. These scammers, known as "romance scammers," deceive users into believing they are interacting with the real pope. To identify these fake accounts, it is often enough to check elements like the quality of the photos or the low number of followers.

How to Avoid Falling Into the Trap

Several signs can help identify these fake profiles. For example, the often poor quality of images, inactive profiles, and the low number of friends or followers may serve as red flags. Moreover, it is crucial to be wary of cryptocurrency donation requests, especially when coming from a suspicious account.

Conclusion

The rise of fake profiles of Pope Leo XIV on Facebook raises significant concerns, particularly regarding user security and the risk of scams. Catholics, especially in the United States, should remain vigilant and learn how to identify fake accounts to avoid falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.