Rome, Italy – A group of Danish pilgrims received an unexpected blessing for their Pokémon collection this week, as Pope Leo both blessed and signed a Popplio Pokémon card during their visit to the Vatican.
According to Danish youth association Danmarks Unge Katolikker, the special moment occurred Friday when a group of approximately 50 young people met the Holy Father as part of a six-day pilgrimage through Assisi and Rome. The group, led by board member Tri Nguyen of Aarhus, presented Pope Leo with two Popplio Pokémon cards, noting the playful similarity between the Pope’s name and the popular water-type Pokémon. Pope Leo reportedly blessed a Reverse Holo version and autographed a standard card.
Nguyen, 28, described the encounter as “a great culmination” of their pilgrimage, sharing, “His joyous face and speech touched my heart in ways I haven’t experienced before. When I got to greet him personally, his smile and laughter were warming. His interest in what I was saying felt genuine.”
Nguyen intends to keep the signed Popplio card as a personal artifact, storing it in a protective sleeve.
The Vatican’s positive relationship with the Pokémon franchise dates back to 2000, when the Vatican satellite channel described the game as “full of inventive imagination” and praised its focus on “ties of intense friendship.” Popplio, a starter Pokémon from 2016’s Pokémon Sun and Moon, has gained special significance for this group thanks to its connection to the Pope’s name.
While papal blessings of trading cards remain rare, the experience highlights the Vatican’s willingness to engage with youth culture and meet pilgrims where they are, making this Rome pilgrimage truly memorable for the Danish visitors.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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