When the 70‑year‑old Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the Vatican’s historic grounds on April 8, he didn’t bring a sermon or a new decree. Instead, he brought a red, white and blue basketball and a dazzling display of skill that left visitors and onlookers alike in awe. With the help of a visiting team of Harlem Globetrotters, the pontiff learned to spin the ball on his finger—a move that has sparked speculation that the papacy might one day double as a professional basketball team.
A New Pope with a Passion for Sports
Robert Francis Prevost, better known as Pope Leo XIV, ascended to the papacy in May 2025, becoming the first American to hold the office. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Leo’s upbringing was steeped in the city’s rich sporting culture. From a young age, he was a devoted fan of the Chicago White Sox, the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Bears, and the Chicago Bulls. His love for sports is not just a hobby; it has become a defining part of his public persona, often reflected in his speeches and public appearances.
After his election, Leo’s enthusiasm for the game of baseball was instantly visible. A screenshot from the 2005 World Series Game 1, where he was seen cheering for the White Sox, quickly circulated online. The White Sox’s victory that year, sweeping the Houston Astros, was a historic moment that Leo celebrated with great fervor. His brother, John Prevost, has publicly confirmed that Leo is “never, ever a Cubs fan,” underscoring the depth of his allegiance to the White Sox.
The Harlem Globetrotters Visit the Vatican
The Vatican’s unexpected collaboration with the Harlem Globetrotters began when the legendary basketball troupe announced a visit to Rome. Their mission was twofold: to spread the joy of basketball and to promote goodwill between the Church and the global community. The Globetrotters arrived on April 8, bringing with them their signature red, white and blue basketballs and a host of entertaining tricks.
During the event, the Globetrotters demonstrated a variety of classic moves, but the highlight was a demonstration of finger‑spin—a trick that requires a combination of balance, dexterity, and confidence. Pope Leo XIV, eager to learn, watched intently before attempting the move himself. With a steady hand and a focused gaze, he successfully spun the ball on his finger, earning a thunderous round of applause from the assembled crowd.
The Associated Press captured the moment on video, which quickly went viral. In the clip, Leo’s smile is wide, and his handshake with the Globetrotters’ players is a testament to the camaraderie that transcends sport and faith. The event was not only a display of athletic skill but also a symbolic gesture
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