Oh, this is divine timing with a curveball of charisma—Pope Leo XIV isn’t just breaking records in the Church, he’s breaking the internet with what might be the most “blessed” baseball catch ever caught on camera.
It all went down May 28 in St. Peter’s Square. The first American pope—yes, “first ever”—was gliding along in his open popemobile when a fan held up a plush doll shaped just like him.
The Pope, clearly amused and up for a little Vatican-style play, waved the fan on. The doll soared through the air, and without missing a beat, Pope Leo reached out and snagged it “one-handed”. Clean grab. No bobble. The kind of move that makes Little League coaches weep with joy.
And yes, the crowd “lost it”. The clip rocketed across social media faster than a Nolan Ryan fastball, with fans jokingly calling for a major league contract. “Get that man a contract,” one user quipped.
Another wanted the All-Star Game moved to Rome “just” so the Pope could throw the first pitch. Honestly? We’d watch.
But here’s what makes this story a grand slam: Pope Leo XIV isn’t just some casual fan. He’s Chicago through and through—a lifelong White Sox devotee. And Chicago is showing the love right back.
The Archdiocese is throwing a “massive” public celebration at Rate Field (home of the Sox) on June 14. They’re calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime” event, and it truly is. A hometown hero goes from Chicago parishioner to “Supreme Pontiff”—and now he’s making highlight reels on baseball Twitter.
Even his first Mass homily made headlines—not because it was controversial, but because it was delivered in English.
This pope isn’t just rewriting the book on papal tradition—he’s doing it with flair, fandom, and frankly, a pretty solid throwing hand.
Pope Leo XIV has the heart of a pastor, the form of a center fielder, and the kind of crossover charisma that brings Cardinals and baseball card collectors into the same cheering section. We’re not saying the MLB should name an award after him—but maybe we’re not “not” saying it, either.
