VATICAN CITY – In what may become the most explosive revelation in modern Church history, a man claiming to be the secret twin brother of newly elected Pope Leo XIV has come forward, sending shockwaves through the global Catholic community and raising deep theological and institutional questions for the Vatican.

Appearing before journalists in the rural Italian town of Matera—birthplace of the pontiff—an emotional man named Giovanni di Benedetto revealed he is the biological twin of Cardinal Lorenzo di Benedetto, who was elected as Pope Leo XIV just three days ago.

“We were born together, minutes apart,” Giovanni told reporters. “But I was hidden—kept secret by those who believed the Church couldn’t afford two.”

Giovanni presented several pieces of evidence to support his claim, including photographs from early childhood, handwritten letters allegedly exchanged with his brother, and what appears to be an authenticated copy of their shared birth certificate dated October 4, 1963.

A Vatican Secret?

While the Holy See has yet to officially confirm the story, internal Vatican sources have admitted to a “sensitive situation under review.” A closed-door emergency meeting of senior cardinals was reportedly held late Friday evening, sparking speculation about how much Church leadership knew—and for how long.

A confidential memo obtained by Italian newspaper La Verità, allegedly dated in 1984, makes reference to “a familial matter that must remain sealed to avoid scandal.” The document is signed by the late Cardinal Giacomo Benedetti, who was a close advisor to Pope John Paul II.

“This goes beyond a family matter,” said Vatican historian Dr. Carla Romani. “If the existence of a twin was intentionally hidden for decades, the implications are both moral and doctrinal. Transparency must be the Church’s response.”

Raised in Isolation

Giovanni claimed that he was raised by a cloistered monastic order in the Apennine Mountains, kept away from the public eye and forbidden from revealing his identity.

“I lived in silence so that my brother could speak,” he said. “I became the ghost in his shadow.”

He stated that occasional letters were exchanged with his brother over the years, but that all communication was strictly monitored by Church officials. “We were allowed to love each other—but from a distance,” he added.

Questions of Legitimacy?

Canon law makes no provision for such a circumstance. The papacy, understood as divinely guided and uniquely held, has never faced the reality of a genetically identical sibling potentially hidden by the Church.

“Technically, there is no impact on the legitimacy of Pope Leo XIV’s election,” said Father Thomas Reilly, a canon lawyer based in London. “But symbolically, it opens a Pandora’s box. The faithful will demand answers.”

Conspiracy theorists online have already begun speculating: Was the twin hidden because he posed a risk to the Church? Could he have been the “original” chosen one? Could impersonation be possible?

Faith Shaken, But Not Broken

Reactions among Catholics worldwide range from shock to acceptance.

“I’m shaken,” said Sister Elena Morelli, a nun in Florence. “But I believe God’s plans are greater than our understanding. If there’s truth here, it must come to light—without fear.”

Others have expressed anger, pointing to a long history of secrecy within Vatican walls.

“This is exactly why people are losing trust in institutions,” said theologian Dr. Marcus Raines in an interview with BBC Radio. “The Church must choose transparency over tradition, truth over image.”

Silence from the Pope

Pope Leo XIV has not yet addressed the revelation publicly. A Vatican spokesperson issued a brief statement on Saturday:

“His Holiness is aware of the claims being circulated. He is praying deeply for wisdom and unity among the faithful. At this time, the Holy Father will not be making a personal statement.”

As the Church grapples with this unfolding controversy, the world watches—and waits. Whether this is the beginning of a new chapter or a long-overdue reckoning remains uncertain. But the secret twin of Pope Leo XIV may have already rewritten a part of Church history.