Pope Leo XIV receives unusual Vatican gift: Illinois treasurer returns $8.65 found in forgotten PayPal account
Mike Frerichs speaking to Pope Leo XIV. Image Credit: Mike Frerichs
An unusual encounter at the Vatican has captured public attention after Pope Leo XIV received an unexpected gift from Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs: $8.65 of the pontiff’s own money.
The amount, though modest, came from a forgotten PayPal account belonging to the Chicago-born pope, formerly known as Robert Prevost, and had been sitting in Illinois’ unclaimed property system. The lighthearted exchange has generated international headlines while highlighting the growing importance of state programs designed to reconnect individuals with lost assets.
Illinois Treasurer Delivers Pope Leo XIV’s Forgotten Funds
During a recent visit to Vatican City, Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs personally handed Pope Leo XIV a certificate enabling him to reclaim $8.65 that had remained unclaimed in a closed PayPal account.
According to Frerichs, the funds were discovered after Robert Prevost became pope. His office initially attempted to contact church officials to facilitate the return of the money, but the effort stalled.
Rather than allowing the matter to remain unresolved, Frerichs seized an opportunity during a Vatican visit organized by the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce to deliver the certificate in person.
The interaction quickly became one of the most memorable moments of the Illinois delegation’s visit to the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV Responds With Humor
Pope Leo XIV reportedly greeted the unusual gift with laughter and shared an anecdote about a previous banking experience.
According to video footage of the exchange, the pontiff referenced a situation in which he contacted a bank in Illinois to close an account and was allegedly disconnected after identifying himself as the pope.
The story drew amusement from those present and added another chapter to the growing collection of anecdotes surrounding the first Chicago-born pope.
The encounter reflected the approachable style that has made Pope Leo XIV a popular figure both within the Catholic Church and among many people in his hometown of Chicago.
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More Than Just $8.65: A Lesson About Unclaimed Property
While the amount itself may seem insignificant, officials say the story serves a larger purpose.
Frerichs noted that public attention surrounding unclaimed property cases often encourages residents to check whether they have forgotten assets waiting to be recovered.
Illinois’ unclaimed property program has returned more than $2.5 billion to over 2.5 million individuals since Frerichs took office in 2015. Recoveries have ranged from a few dollars to multimillion-dollar claims.
According to the treasurer, some of the largest recoveries have exceeded $11 million, but he suggested that Pope Leo XIV’s $8.65 claim may ultimately become one of the most memorable.
The case demonstrates how forgotten bank accounts, insurance payouts, security deposits, and online payment accounts can end up in state custody until rightful owners reclaim them.
Vatican Visit Included Additional Gifts
The unclaimed funds certificate was not the only gift presented during the meeting.
Frerichs also gave Pope Leo XIV a commemorative Abraham Lincoln coin produced by the Illinois Treasurer’s Office and a book highlighting Chicago’s history.
Meanwhile, Erica Frerichs brought family rosaries for the pope to bless during the visit.
The exchange continued a tradition of Illinois leaders bringing symbolic gifts to the Chicago-born pontiff since his elevation to the papacy.
Previous visitors have presented Chicago-themed items including sports memorabilia, local food products, and other cultural gifts celebrating the pope’s roots in the city.
Why Pope Leo XIV’s Story Is Resonating Worldwide
The story has gained widespread attention because it combines several elements that resonate with audiences: faith, humor, public service, and a relatable financial lesson.
Many people are surprised to learn that forgotten funds can remain dormant for years, sometimes without owners realizing they exist.
For Pope Leo XIV, the forgotten $8.65 may not significantly impact his finances, but the incident highlights a broader issue affecting millions of people worldwide who may have unclaimed assets waiting to be recovered.
Bottom Line
Pope Leo XIV’s unexpected recovery of $8.65 from a forgotten PayPal account has become one of the Vatican’s most talked-about lighthearted moments of 2026. Beyond the humor, the incident shines a spotlight on unclaimed property programs that help reconnect people with lost funds.
As the Chicago-born pontiff continues to attract global attention, this small financial recovery serves as a reminder that even the pope can occasionally forget about a bank account.
FAQ
Why did Pope Leo XIV receive $8.65 from Illinois?
Pope Leo XIV received $8.65 after Illinois officials discovered funds linked to a closed PayPal account in the state’s unclaimed property database. The money was returned through Illinois Treasurer Mike Frerichs.
What was the source of Pope Leo XIV’s $8.65?
The funds originated from a PayPal account that had been closed. The remaining balance was transferred to Illinois’ unclaimed property program until it could be reclaimed by its rightful owner.
Who is Pope Leo XIV?
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost in Chicago, is the current leader of the Catholic Church and the first Chicago-born pope in history.
Who returned the money to Pope Leo XIV?
Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs personally delivered the certificate for the funds during a visit to Vatican City.
What is Illinois unclaimed property?
Illinois unclaimed property consists of forgotten or abandoned financial assets such as bank accounts, insurance proceeds, utility deposits, checks, and online payment account balances that have not been claimed by their owners.
How much money has Illinois returned through its unclaimed property program?
According to the Illinois Treasurer’s Office, more than $2.5 billion has been returned to over 2.5 million individuals since 2015.
Can PayPal accounts become unclaimed property?
Yes. If funds remain inactive in a PayPal account and the account owner cannot be reached, the money may eventually be transferred to a state’s unclaimed property program.
How can people check for unclaimed money in Illinois?
Residents can search Illinois’ official unclaimed property database through the state’s unclaimed property website and submit a claim if eligible.
Why is Pope Leo XIV’s $8.65 story attracting attention?
The story combines humor, faith, and a relatable financial lesson. It also highlights the reality that even public figures can have forgotten funds sitting in unclaimed property accounts.
What gifts were presented to Pope Leo XIV during the Vatican visit?
In addition to the unclaimed funds certificate, Pope Leo XIV received a commemorative Abraham Lincoln coin and a book about Chicago history.
Is Pope Leo XIV originally from Chicago?
Yes. Before becoming pope, Robert Prevost was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois.
What does this story teach about unclaimed funds?
The incident demonstrates that forgotten assets can happen to anyone and encourages people to check state databases for money that may belong to them.