Pope Leo XIV’s Playful Catch Goes Viral, Sparks Security Concerns

Newly appointed Pope Leo XIV, formerly Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, made global headlines on May 28 after a lighthearted yet unexpected moment in Vatican City. While greeting crowds from the popemobile, the 68-year-old pontiff caught a small cloth doll mid-air — tossed by a White Sox fan — with a quick one-handed grab that drew cheers from onlookers.

The doll, dressed in miniature papal robes, was meant as a playful tribute to his first public appearance at St. Peter’s Basilica. While many praised the Pope’s reflexes and “American flair,” the moment quickly raised eyebrows online. “Adorable — but his security is definitely slipping,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter), echoing concerns about the risks of objects being thrown near the pontiff.

Since being welcomed as Pope on May 8, Leo XIV has emphasized peace and global solidarity. He has urged an end to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and praised a new peace accord between India and Pakistan.

The new pope has also spoken out about the rise of artificial intelligence, comparing its social impact to the Industrial Revolution. Drawing inspiration from Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical, he said the Church must again defend human dignity and moral responsibility amid rapid technological change.

Pope Leo also honored Pope Francis, calling him “a model of humility and service” and pledging to continue his mission of compassion in a complex new era.