As you know by now, the Pope is on Twitter using the handle @Pontifex, and he already has over 1.2 million devoted followers on the platform. However, there’s been some confusion that has resulted in a boost in followers and and misdirected tweets to a Brooklyn-based mobile ad startup called Pontiflex whose Twitter handle, @pontiflex, is just one letter off from the Pope’s.
The company has had some fun with the mixup and tweeted things like, “We were hoping for a Vatican press release today with the Pope’s favorite mobile apps. @pontifex.” And as a thank you to all who accidentally helped bring attention to the startup, Pontiflex is offering a special that gives $100 of free mobile ads to religious organizations. 
Here are five funny examples of people who didn’t get the memo and tweeted to a mobile ad company thinking they were talking to the big man on campus in Vatican City.
1. Oh @MrLSaunders, you know how it is with company and brand Twitter accounts. Some aren’t super responsive. Don’t take it personally.
2. @MaxmillionZ, that’s an interesting point you bring up about the donkey but unless there are mobile ads in the stable too, not sure how Pontiflex can help.
3. @vento1932, good job noticing, but you know, in this day and age, most companies are on Twitter. It’s kind of a must, especially since they are a mobile ad startup. But yeah, I am sure they will appreciate the comment.
4. Sorry @PaulBrachter, but seriously, you shouldn’t take it personally when a mobile ad company doesn’t respond on Twitter. Maybe they don’t have a social media manager or an attentive one, you know?
5. @biggg_j1 that’s something you’ll want to take up with their HR department probably, not their Twitter account. 
Pope image via vipflash / Shutterstock.com
More in Media
How creators are using generative AI in podcasts, videos and newsletters — and what advertisers think about it
Here’s a look at how some creators are leveraging generative AI to create video, audio and written content — and whether or not that’s a turn-off for advertisers.
Buzzfeed, News Corp and New York Times push back on tariff fears in earnings calls
Publishing execs pushed back on tariff and macroeconomic climate fears in Q1 2025 earnings calls, expressing confidence that their businesses would grow this year.
Digiday+ Research: Publishers’ subscription revenue is up this year, and they’ll focus on growing it even further
Subscriptions is one area where publishers are seeing more revenue, and, in turn, ramping up their plans to strengthen that part of their business in the coming months.