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A Flemish priest from Zonhoven, Belgium, narrowly avoided falling victim to a sophisticated AI-powered scam in which criminals impersonated Pope Leo XIV via WhatsApp. The fraudsters used a deepfake image of the pontiff in a hospital bed and requested financial assistance, according to a report by VRT.
How the AI Pope Scam Unfolded
Father Wim Simons, a priest in the Diocese of Hasselt, received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number. The profile picture showed Pope Leo XIV, and the message read: 'Bent u eerwaarde Wim Simons? Moge de vrede van God bij u zijn, ik ben paus Leo XIV van Italië, Rome.' (Are you Reverend Wim Simons? May the peace of God be with you, I am Pope Leo XIV from Italy, Rome.)
Simons told VRT that for a few seconds, he genuinely believed the pope was contacting him. However, suspicion quickly arose. The scammer initially discussed faith matters in English, but then switched to Dutch, which Simons found odd. After Simons ignored the messages, the criminals sent an AI-generated image of the pope lying in a hospital bed, urging him to help children from an orphanage by sending money.
AI-Generated Imagery and Targeted Deception
The image, created using artificial intelligence, showed a convincing but slightly distorted version of Pope Leo XIV's face. Simons recognized the telltale signs of AI manipulation. The scammers had clearly done their homework: Simons is active on social media, and his phone number is publicly available online. Cybersecurity experts told VRT that criminals are increasingly using AI tools to gather personal information and craft highly targeted, personalized scams.
This incident highlights the growing threat of AI-powered cybercrime targeting religious figures and organizations. The Vatican has not yet commented on the specific case, but Pope Leo XIV has previously warned about the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence.
Pope Leo XIV and the AI Challenge
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago in 1955, was elected in May 2025. He is the first pope from the United States and the first from the Order of Saint Augustine. He chose the name Leo XIV in honor of Pope Leo XIII, who developed modern Catholic social teaching during the Second Industrial Revolution. According to his biography, Leo XIV selected his name partly as a response to the challenges of a new industrial revolution and artificial intelligence.
Since his election, Leo XIV has consistently addressed the ethical implications of AI. He has warned about the risks of deepfakes, misinformation, and the manipulation of digital identities. The scam against Father Simons underscores the urgency of these warnings.
How to Spot an AI Deepfake Scam
Cybersecurity experts offer several tips to identify AI-powered impersonation scams:
- Verify the source: Contact the organization directly through official channels.
- Check for inconsistencies: Look for unnatural language shifts, odd phrasing, or mismatched communication styles.
- Examine images closely: AI-generated faces often have subtle distortions around the eyes, mouth, and hair.
- Never send money: Legitimate religious leaders will not request funds via WhatsApp or social media.
- Report suspicious messages: Notify local authorities and the impersonated organization.
Broader Implications for Religious Communities
Father Simons told VRT that while he did not fall for the scam, he knows several parishioners who have been defrauded by similar schemes. The VRT surveyed other priests and dioceses but found no identical reports. However, experts warn that AI-driven scams are becoming more common and more convincing.
The case raises important questions about digital security within the Church. Many clergy members are active online and may not have adequate cybersecurity training. The Vatican has yet to issue specific guidelines for handling digital impersonation, but the Catholic Church's response to AI fraud is expected to evolve as such incidents increase.
This scam also fits a broader pattern of AI-enabled fraud targeting public figures. Earlier in 2026, police in several European countries reported a rise in deepfake voice and video scams. The European Union's AI Act, set to take full effect in 2027, includes provisions to combat deepfake misuse, but enforcement remains a challenge.
FAQ: AI Deepfake Scams
What is a deepfake scam?
A deepfake scam uses AI-generated audio, video, or images to impersonate a real person, often to trick victims into sending money or revealing personal information.
How common are AI pope scams?
While still relatively rare, AI-powered impersonation of religious figures is on the rise. The scam against Father Simons is one of the first publicly reported cases involving Pope Leo XIV.
Can AI-generated images be detected?
Yes, but detection is becoming harder as AI improves. Look for subtle artifacts like unnatural eye reflections, blurred edges, or inconsistent lighting. Specialized software can also help.
What should I do if I receive a suspicious message from a religious leader?
Do not respond or send money. Report the message to local police and to the official office of the religious leader. Verify through known, official communication channels.
Is Pope Leo XIV doing anything about AI fraud?
Pope Leo XIV has spoken publicly about the ethical dangers of AI, including deepfakes. The Vatican is reportedly developing internal guidelines, but no specific policies have been announced yet.
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