COOL POPE

Pope Leo XIV spins a basketball with the Harlem Globetrotters, instantly earning cool points

It's no secret Pope Leo XIV loves sports

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - APRIL 08: (EDITOR NOTE: STRICTLY EDITORIAL USE ONLY - NO MERCHANDISING). Pope Leo XIV plays with a member of 'Harlem Globetrotters' exhibition basketball team during his weekly General Audience at St. Peter's Square on April 08, 2026 in Vatican City, Vatican. At the conclusion of his General Audience on Wednesday, 8 April, Pope Leo turned his thoughts to the weeks of tension that have been escalating in the Middle East. In light of the announcement of a two-week ceasefire on the evening of 7 April, the Pope said he welcomed the news "with satisfaction and as a sign of deep hope". (Photo by Simone Risoluti - Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

APRIL 9, 2026 6:16 PM EDTAPR 9, 2026, 6:16 PM EDT

If the whole Pope thing ever slows down, Pope Leo XIV might have a second act waiting - basketball.

During a general audience at St. Peter's Square this week, the Harlem Globetrotters stopped by and gave the pontiff a quick lesson in one of their signature tricks: spinning a ball on his finger.

With a little help, Leo got it going, earning applause from the crowd and a viral moment that feels very on-brand for a pope who’s quietly become one of the more relatable and cooler figures in the Vatican.

Pope Leo XIV during the general audience in St. Peter's Square

Video shared online shows him smiling, shaking hands with the players, and clearly enjoying the moment. It marks a lighter side that’s been popping up more and more since he stepped into the role in 2025.

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They later presented him with his own Harlem Globetrotters jersey, and he was all smiles as he held it up for a photo opp.

They later presented him with his own jersey

It marks a tradition; the late Pope Francis did the same thing with the famous group in 2014.

It marks a tradition, Pope Francis did the same in 2014

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Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Leo made history as the first American pope, and he hasn’t exactly left his sports loyalties behind.

Shortly after his election, fans quickly dug up a throwback image of him in the stands at the 2005 World Series, cheering on the Chicago White Sox as they swept the Houston Astros for their first title in 88 years. His brother even clarified for the record: he was “never, ever a Cubs fan.” And Chicago hasn’t forgotten.

The White Sox are planning to honor their most famous supporter later this summer with a themed giveaway during a game against the Cincinnati Reds, with Pope hats included.

Pope Leo XIV waves after delivering the Regina Caeli prayer after a Holy Mass for the Beginning of his Pontificate, in St Peter's square in The Vatican on May 18, 2025. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP) (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images) — He's not a regular Pope, he's a cool Pope

His basketball ties run just as deep. A graduate of Villanova University, Leo has long followed the school’s teams, and it's believed that he still keeps tabs on the so-called “Nova Knicks,” which is a cluster of former Wildcats now playing for the New York Knicks, including Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart.

He’s also been linked to longtime admiration for the Chicago Bulls' glory days with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, which makes the Globetrotters moment feel less random and more like a full-circle crossover

It’s that mix, tradition with just enough personality, that defines Leo’s first year. Whether he’s leaning into his Chicago roots, texting with former Villanova staff, or casually spinning a red, white, and blue basketball in Vatican City, he’s proving that even the most historic roles can still have a little flair.