Pokémon Fan Gets Popplio Card Signed by Pope Leo in Unforgettable Nintendo-Themed Vatican Visit

Pokémon Fan Has Popplio Card Signed by Pope Leo in Memorable Nintendo-Themed Meeting at The Vatican In an extraordinary intersection of pop culture and religion, a devoted Pokémon fan recently managed to bring the beloved world of Nintendo into the heart of The Vatican.

On July 5, Reddit user ReptileCake attended a unique audience with Pope Leo (whose birth name is Robert Francis Prevost), bringing along two Pokémon trading cards featuring Popplio, a fan-favorite Water-type Pokémon from the Nintendo franchise.

This memorable incident has quickly captured the attention of the gaming community and Nintendo fans alike. During his trip, ReptileCake had a thoroughly thought-out plan: one Popplio card would be presented for a blessing, while the other was reserved for a once-in-a-lifetime autograph from Pope Leo himself.

The pun at the heart of the event—Popplio, Pope Leo—was not lost on either the Vatican staff or the online Nintendo community. Speaking with IGN, ReptileCake described the encounter as relaxed and memorable.

"Our group went through security then took our seats.

Pope Leo entered calmly, delivered a meaningful speech about hope, and invited everyone to come forward for blessings or to present gifts," ReptileCake recounted.

During the meet and greet, he offered Pope Leo a Reverse Holo Popplio card and respectfully requested a signature on another.

The Pope understood the playful connection and agreed with a warm laugh, happily signing the card.

According to ReptileCake, Pope Leo was "a pleasant presence and very approachable throughout the experience." While signed Pokémon cards often attract attention from collectors and can gain significant value on online marketplaces, ReptileCake emphasized that he has no intention of selling the item.

He explained that the signed Popplio card had transcended any monetary value, representing something "personal and cherished for eternity." This heartwarming story has been widely shared, highlighted by outlets such as Nintendo Life, and has quickly become a beloved anecdote within the Nintendo and Pokémon fan communities.

The Pokémon franchise, which began with Game Freak and Nintendo in the late '90s, has become one of the most recognizable and successful entertainment properties worldwide, with the Nintendo Switch and eShop continuing to host new Pokémon releases and events. Although this event stands out as a wholesome case of fandom meeting faith, it has also prompted some playful speculation in the community about whether similar incidents might follow.

For now, ReptileCake’s Popplio card stands as a unique keepsake, serving as a testament to the unifying power of games—and the surprising places Nintendo magic can appear.

Pokémon Nintendo Switch Nintendo Switch Leo Popplio Pope Leo Reddit Robert Francis Prevost IGN Nintendo Life The Vatican