The incident took place at St. Peter’s Square just outside the Vatican on May 28. The Pope was on a tour in an open popemobile when a fan caught his attention by waving a plush toy resembling him. In a spontaneous gesture, the Pontiff gestured for the fan to throw it to him.
(EXCLUSIVE) POV: you throw a plushie of @Pontifex at @Pontifex pic.twitter.com/o1IsBL6jKp
— Pope Crave (@ClubConcrave) May 29, 2025
In a remarkable moment captured on camera, the Pope extended his arm and skillfully caught the tiny stuffed doll mid-air while the papal vehicle continued its course.
Prior information revealed that Pope Leo XIV hails from Chicago and, notably, is an avid baseball enthusiast. His impressive catch suggests he may have some experience with the sport.
Pope Leo XIV catches a cloth doll made for him by someone in the crowd. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/cd2Rruvfs0
— CatholicVote (@CatholicVote) May 28, 2025
Social media users reacted to the video, with many celebrating the Pope’s quick moves.
“Baseball-level catch. You can tell by the form,” one person wrote. “They need to hold the next MLB All-Star game in Rome or Chicago and have him throw out the first pitch. I think he’d do better than most celebs.”
Another person wrote, “Love to see catches like that to start off the season. Will really be a confidence builder.”
While a third person wrote, “Get that man a contract.”
The Pontiff is a big Chicago White Sox fan, and in honor of his recent appointment, the Catholic Herald reported, the White Sox will host a special mass.
This is something that has never happened before. The story read that:
The public are invited to attend the June 14 event at Rate Field stadium with the archdiocese urging people to “Mark your calendars!” The event is described as a “once-in-a-lifetime celebration of the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first pope born and raised in the Chicago area”, according to a statement released by the archdiocese.
“Pope Leo XIV’s message of peace, unity and the key to a meaningful life have touched hearts across the globe,” the archdiocese said. “This celebration is an extraordinary opportunity for people from the city and beyond to come together in shared pride for one of our own.”
After being chosen, Pope Leo XIV made headlines when he started out his first Mass homily in English. It was something to see.
The Pontiff said that:
