Jul 09, 2025 12:00:00

Asking Pope Leo XIV to sign a Pokemon card

Pope Leo XIV , who became the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church in May 2025, has become a hot topic on the Internet after signing Pokemon cards brought by Pokemon fans.

Pope Leo XIV signs Pokémon fan's Popplio card | Polygon
https://www.polygon.com/culture/611394/pokemon-popplio-pope-leo-card-autograph

Pokemon Fan Gets Pope Leo XIV To Bless Popplio Card
https://kotaku.com/pope-leo-xiv-pokemon-card-autograph-popplio-meme-1851785788

On July 5, 2025 local time, as part of the 2025 Holy Year , Pope Leo XIV hosted a social gathering for visitors from all over Europe. Among them was a group of young people from the Archdiocese of Copenhagen, Denmark, one of whom, Pokémon fan ReptileCake , had a Pokémon card autographed during an audience with Leo XIV.

ReptileCake shared his experience on Reddit.

According to ReptileCake, during social gatherings, visitors often have their possessions blessed and give gifts. ReptileCake asked Leo XIV to sign an Ashimari Pokémon card, and wrote that the interaction was 'very relaxed.'

ReptileCake told Polygon, an overseas game media outlet, 'When I said, 'Your Holiness! It's an honor to meet you. Thank you for your speech. I've brought a gift! It's a Pope! A Pokémon worthy of the name of Leo XIV!' The Pope laughed. At least I thought this was a sign of courtesy until he started showing off his Pokémon cards to the surrounding security guards. I then took out a second Ashimari card and a pen from my pocket and asked, 'Can you sign my card too?' He happily replied, 'Of course!''

The English spelling of Ashimari is 'Popplio', and the nickname of Leo XIV is 'Pope Leo'. Since the two words sound similar, ReptileCake asked Ashimari for an autograph. The internet meme of Leo XIV as Ashimari has existed since Leo XIV became Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.

ReptileCake said that the pen he had prepared was a ballpoint pen, so his signature was messy, but he said he has no intention of letting go of the card. 'This is my personal treasure, so I will keep it in a sleeve and case,' he said. 'I will not have it appraised. This is a funny joke the Pope had with me. It is worth more than any monetary value could satisfy.'

There's been a lot of discussion on Reddit about whether the Pokémon card signed by Leo XIV is a holy relic.