Pokémon Fan Goes Viral After Claiming Pope Leo Signed His Popplio Card
Introduction
In a delightful blend of pop culture and papal curiosity, a Pokémon fan has taken the internet by storm with a viral claim: that their Popplio trading card was signed by none other than Pope Leo.
Yes, that Pope Leo - though which one exactly is up for debate.
The post, which first appeared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), featured an image of a well-worn Popplio card from the Sun & Moon expansion, with an elegant, looping signature across the bottom. The caption read:
“Still can’t believe Pope Leo blessed and signed my Popplio card. #BlessedByTheBest #HolyWaterType”
Naturally, confusion erupted online.
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| Credit: collectorclub.co.uk |
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| Credit: wallpaperchain.com |
The Pope… and Popplio?
There have been thirteen Popes named Leo, the most famous being Pope Leo I (reigned 440–461 AD), who was declared a Doctor of the Church and a saint, and Pope Leo XIII (1878–1903), known for his philosophical writings and early support of social justice teachings.
Given that the Pokémon Trading Card Game debuted in the late 1990s, and Popplio didn’t even splash onto the scene until 2016, skeptics were quick to question the timeline.
“Unless the Vatican has a time machine, or Popplio is an ancient sea creature with papal ties, I'm not buying it,” one user joked.
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| Pope Leo I (reigned 440–461 AD) Credit: Yvette Bergeron, pinterest.com |
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| Pope Leo XIII (1878–1903) Credit: saintbedestudio.blogspot.com |
The Mystery Deepens
Others joined in on the fun, fueling the absurdity with mock investigations. Edits of Popplio donning a papal tiara surfaced, and memes depicted Leo XIII trading cards in Vatican gift shops. Some users even Photoshopped historical paintings with Popplio floating beside the Holy Father.
The mystery intensified when the original poster added in a follow-up:
“I didn’t say WHICH Pope Leo. 😉”
Internet sleuths began digging. Could it have been a local priest named Leo? A nickname? A cosplay Pope at Comic-Con? Or was the signature part of a long-lost, divine Pokémon Vatican crossover?
A Meme Blessed by the Masses
Despite the questionable origins (and highly unlikely authenticity), the post resonated with Pokémon fans and meme lovers alike. “This is why I love the internet,” one user commented. “Where else would I see a blessed water-type starter endorsed by a 19th-century pontiff?”
Others praised the creativity, with comments ranging from:
- “Popplio is officially part of the Holy Trinity: Charmander, Bulbasaur, and now, Leo’s pick.”
- “Water Gun has been upgraded to Holy Water Gun.”
- “Waiting for the canonization of Saint Popplio.”
Final Thought
While we may never get confirmation from the Vatican, or Popplio, one thing is certain: this joyful, surreal crossover of Catholic history and Pokémon fandom brought a smile to thousands of faces online.
And as for the card itself? The owner says they keep it “in a blessed sleeve, right next to my Pikachu signed by a guy who claims he’s the reincarnation of Saint Francis.”
Whether hoax, joke, or blessed artifact, the Popplio-Pope Leo saga is a reminder of the internet's greatest power: turning the unexpected into entertainment gold.
Have you ever had a holy moment with your Pokémon cards? Drop your divine encounters in the comments below!
