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Latin Patriarchate confirms Cardinal Pizzaballa X account is fake

By Michael Haynes, Snr. Vatican CorrespondentMay 21, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Latin Patriarchate confirms Cardinal Pizzaballa X account is fake
Amir Levy/Getty Images | The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, enters a tribute mass for Pope Francis at Church Of The Holy Sepulchre on April 23, 2025 in Jerusalem.

The media office of the Latin Patriarchate confirmed to LifeSiteNews that 'His Eminence does not have any personal social media.'

(LifeSiteNews) — The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has confirmed that a social media account presenting itself as belonging to Cardinal Pizzaballa is a fake.

In recent weeks a social media account on X has garnered increased traction amid the flurry of interest in Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa and the pre-conclave speculation that he might be elected pope.

The account – found here – is presented as being a personal account of the cardinal, who serves as Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem.

Often posting images pulled from the official social media accounts of the Latin Patriarchate, the X account has gained over 5000 followers, including some high-level clerics, journalists and officials close to the Vatican.

However, the media office of the Latin Patriarchate confirmed to this correspondent that the account is a fake.

“It’s fake for sure. His Eminence does not have any personal social media,” the Latin Patriarchate replied. They pointed social media users to follow the only official social media accounts – which, on X, is found here.

After highlighting that the X account is a fake, the user of the account blocked this correspondent and also removed a weblink directing people to donate money to his account.

A full list of the Latin Patriarchate’s online presence can also be seen via the official website.

Pizzaballa, created cardinal in September 2023, is an Italian Franciscan who has served in the Holy Land for over 30 years and has been Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem since late 2020.

Faith & Religion
May 21, 2025 at 11:01 AM
MC

Michael Haynes, Snr. Vatican Correspondent

Michael Haynes serves as Senior Vatican correspondent writing for LifeSiteNews. Living in Rome, though originally from the North-West of England, he is a graduate of Thomas More College in New Hampshire, and has been very involved in pro-life activity and public campaigns defending Catholicism since childhood. Michael writes on Per Mariam, and has authored works on Mariology (Mary the Motherly Co-Redemptrix), Catholic spirituality, and most recently published an apologetic work “A Catechism of Errors.”  He regularly writes for the American TFP, and his writings have also been published by La Nuova Bussola QuotidianaGregorius MagnusOne Peter FiveCatholic Family NewsCalx Maria. His work has been reproduced by a variety of outlets, and translated regularly into a number of languages. He has given Vatican analysis for Newsmax, LiveNow from FOX, and is a regular guest on iCatholic Radio. You can follow Michael on X/Twitter or via his website Per Mariam: Mater Dolorosa.
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  • The media office of the Latin Patriarchate confirmed to LifeSiteNews that 'His Eminence does not have any personal social media.'

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