Pokémon Card Signed by the Pope? This Fan’s Vatican Encounter Is One for the History Books!

A Pokémon Fan Scores a Unique Autograph from the Pope

Imagine visiting the Vatican and walking away with a signed Pokémon card by none other than Pope Leo XIV. That’s exactly what happened to a Danish Pokémon enthusiast known as ReptileCake during the recent Jubilee Year celebrations.

A Danish Pokémon fan met Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican
The fan had a Popplio Pokémon card signed by the Pope
The interaction became popular on Reddit’s Pokémon and interestingasfuck communities
The signed Popplio card is a cherished personal artifact, not for sale

The Story Behind the Signature

On a Saturday filled with visitors from Europe and the UK, Pope Leo XIV greeted a group of young people from the Diocese of Copenhagen, Denmark. Among them was ReptileCake, who brought along a Reverse Holo Popplio card—a clever nod to the Pope’s name.

ReptileCake recalls the moment vividly: “Your Holiness! It is a great pleasure to meet you, and thank you for your speech. I have brought you a gift! *takes out a reverse holo foil Popplio* It’s a Popplio, it sounds like Pope Leo!”

The Pope’s reaction was warm and even playful, as he showed off the card to his guards. Then, ReptileCake asked if the Pope could sign a copy for him. The Pope happily obliged, using a ballpoint pen which left a somewhat messy but genuine autograph.

Why This Signed Card Means More Than Money

Unlike typical collectibles, this Popplio card isn’t about resale value. ReptileCake shared on Reddit that he plans to keep it safe in a sleeve and a one-touch UV slab. The card is a personal artifact, a funny and memorable token of an unusual encounter between a Pokémon fan and the Holy See.

“I don’t want to grade it, it’s just a funny joke that his Holiness indulged in with me, that’s worth more than any monetary value can satisfy.”