It’s not every day that the Pope signs a Pokémon card. But for Reddit user ReptileCake, that day came on July 5, 2025.
ReptileCake, a devoted Pokémon fan from the Diocese of Copenhagen in Denmark, brought not one—but two—Popplio trading cards during a visit to see Pope Leo XIV. One was a holographic version, which he asked the Pope to bless. The other, a standard card, was the one the Pope signed.
Despite his pen nearly running out of ink, ReptileCake offered it to the Pope anyway. Laughing, the Holy Father accepted and used it to sign the card. Very much mused, the Pope even showed it off to the guards in the room.
ReptileCake was in Italy for a youth trip, along with fellow students and teachers who had brought their own tokens and gifts for the Pope. Sounding like Pope Leo, ReptileCake was the only one who brought a Popplio for His Holiness.
From the photos released by Vatican Media, the Pope appeared genuinely delighted, smiling as he signed the card. “It was pretty chill,” ReptileCake said, describing the moment. Prior to their meet-and-greet, the Pope also gave a great talk about hope, but for ReptileCake, it was also the warmth and presence of the Pontiff that left an impression.
As for the card? It’s not going to be on any shopping platform anytime soon.
ReptileCake shared that he has no plans to sell it. While many more rare Pokémon cards will be made in the years to come, this one—signed by the Pope himself—will remain priceless in a very personal way. “It’s worth more than any monetary value can satisfy,” he said. The significance and the joy that the encounter has brought to him made the card even more special and memorable for a Pokémon fan and Catholic believer like him. For now, the signed Popplio card is something he plans to keep close to his heart—literally and spiritually.
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