I’m not understanding why they would do anything differently just because he’s the Pope. They shouldn’t have hung up on him but that’s the only customer service issue here.
Well, that's why it was his last-ditch effort, because it was unlikely to work.
But the reasoning is that many companies will go out of their way to help "VIPs" and may even have a separate team to handle them that has more discretion than normal front-line support staff would.
Netanyahu is a figurehead for many too. Though if I found out my bank DIDN'T hang up on him I'd be looking for another bank.
As far as Popes go, Leo's probably upset more catholics than any in recent history. Which is saying something, given that the guy before the last one was a literal Nazi.
Because Catholics are loaded should be enough reason and I would assume the service desk employee might get in trouble. Although it is definitely the fault of the bank and their policies for identification.
That said, I cannot fault someone to be sceptical if a caller says he is the pope.
But the reasoning is that many companies will go out of their way to help "VIPs" and may even have a separate team to handle them that has more discretion than normal front-line support staff would.
So sure, worth a shot if all else fails.