First American Pope Goes Mega-Viral Over Awesome One-Handed Catch [WATCH]

Pope Leo XIV, the first American to serve as head of the Catholic Church, made headlines again this week—this time for an unexpected display of athleticism.

A viral video captured the Pontiff making a one-handed catch of a plush doll during a public appearance at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.

The moment occurred on May 28 as Pope Leo XIV was riding in his open popemobile, greeting the crowd gathered outside the Vatican.

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A fan holding a plush doll resembling the Pope waved it toward him.

The Pontiff gestured to the fan to toss the doll his way.

As the vehicle continued to move, Pope Leo XIV extended his arm and made a clean one-handed grab mid-air, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Pope Leo XIV catches a cloth doll made for him by someone in the crowd. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/cd2Rruvfs0

— CatholicVote (@CatholicVote) May 28, 2025

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The clip quickly gained traction on social media, with users praising the Pope’s quick reflexes and comparing the move to a professional baseball catch.

One user commented, “Baseball-level catch. You can tell by the form.”

Another 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.”

A third joked, “Get that man a contract.”

(EXCLUSIVE) POV: you throw a plushie of @Pontifex at @Pontifex pic.twitter.com/o1IsBL6jKp

— Pope Crave (@ClubConcrave) May 29, 2025

The Pope’s affinity for baseball is well-documented.

A native of Chicago, Pope Leo XIV is a longtime fan of the Chicago White Sox.

In recognition of his appointment, the Catholic Herald reported that the Archdiocese of Chicago will host a special celebration at Guaranteed Rate Field, home of the White Sox, on June 14.

According to the Archdiocese’s statement, “Mark your calendars! This celebration is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to honor the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first pope born and raised in the Chicago area.”

The statement also highlighted the Pope’s message of “peace, unity, and the key to a meaningful life,” and emphasized the global impact of his words and leadership.

The public is invited to attend the June 14 event, which will include a Mass and community celebration.

The Archdiocese described it as an opportunity for residents of Chicago and visitors alike to unite in pride for the Pope’s historic elevation.

Following his election as pope, Leo XIV made additional headlines for choosing to open his first homily in English—a departure from tradition that underscored his American roots.

In his message, the Pontiff addressed the growing challenges faced by Christians in modern society.

“There are many settings in which the Christian faith is considered absurd, meant for the weak and unintelligent,” Pope Leo said during the homily.

“Settings where other securities are preferred, like technology, money, success, power, or pleasure. These are contexts where it is not easy to preach the Gospel and bear witness to its truth, where believers are mocked, opposed, despised or at best tolerated and pitied.”

He continued, “Yet, precisely for this reason, they are the places where our missionary outreach is desperately needed. A lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, appalling violations of human dignity, the crisis of the family and so many other wounds that afflict our society.”

Pope Leo XIV was elected earlier this year, becoming the first American to lead the Catholic Church.

His unique blend of humility, cultural familiarity, and public presence continues to draw attention both within and beyond religious circles.

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