Pope Signs Pokémon Card: A Holy Collectible!
Imagine getting your Pokémon card signed by the Pope! That's exactly what happened when a Pokémon enthusiast met Pope Leo and presented him with a Popplio card, resulting in a truly unique and holy collectible.
A Pokémon fan from Denmark, known as ReptileCake on Reddit, had an extraordinary experience during a youth trip to Italy. He met Pope Leo and seized the opportunity to introduce the pontiff to a Pokémon that shares a similar-sounding name: Popplio. Who would have thought that a simple Pokémon card could create such a memorable moment?
ReptileCake brought two copies of the Popplio card to the Vatican. He had one copy blessed and the other signed. He introduced Popplio to Pope Leo, explaining the similarity in their names. The Pope, seemingly amused by the gesture, even showed the card to the guards around him. It's not every day you see the head of the Catholic Church interacting with Pokémon!
According to ReptileCake, the Pope was happy to sign the Pokémon card. The fan shared, "I introduced it as Popplio because it sounds like Pope Leo. He laughed, probably as a courtesy, but he did know about Pokémon cards, he even showed it around to the guards around him. Then I asked him to sign a copy for me and he was happy to oblige."
The Rarity of a Signed Pokémon Card
While many rare Pokémon cards exist, a Popplio card signed by Pope Leo XIV is undoubtedly among the rarest. Its value isn't just monetary; it's a priceless keepsake representing a light-hearted exchange between a fan and a prominent religious figure. Could this be the ultimate holy grail for Pokémon collectors?
ReptileCake has no intention of selling the signed Pokémon card. "It's just a funny joke that his Holiness indulged in with me," he explained, "that's worth more than any monetary value can satisfy." He considers it a personal artifact to be cherished forever.
Popplio, a Water-type Seal Pokémon, gained fame as one of the Starter Pokémon in the Pokémon Sun and Moon games. Its Pokédex description humorously states, "This Pokémon snorts body fluids from its nose, blowing ballons to smash into its foes. It's famous for being a hard worker."
Pope Leo's Pop Culture Moment
Pope Leo XIV, the first head of the Catholic Church born in the US, assumed his position in May 2025. This encounter with a Pokémon card demonstrates a willingness to engage with popular culture, creating a memorable moment for both the fan and the pontiff.
ReptileCake's meeting with Pope Leo and the subsequent signing of the Popplio Pokémon card resulted in a truly unique and valuable collectible. The story highlights the unexpected intersections of faith and fandom, and the priceless value of personal experiences. This signed card is more than just a piece of memorabilia; it's a testament to a memorable and humorous encounter.