Harlem Globetrotters visit Pope Leo, continuing a decades-long Vatican tradition
Pope Leo XIV welcomed the Harlem Globetrotters to St. Peter's Square April 8, where a player helped him learn to spin their red, white, and blue basketball on his finger.
Pope Leo XIV welcomed the Harlem Globetrotters to St. Peter's Square April 8, where a player helped him learn to spin their red, white, and blue basketball on his finger.
Pope Leo XIV enjoyed a lighthearted moment Wednesday as he welcomed the Harlem Globetrotters to St. Peter's Square. https://t.co/RZFeTRWbg6 pic.twitter.com/MvaUETTzlX
— ABC News (@ABC) April 8, 2026
The visit marks the latest in a decades-long relationship between the famous exhibition team and the Vatican.
According to a 2015 press release from the Harlem Globetrotters, the team first performed for Pope Pius XII in 1951, then returned for Pope John XXIII in 1959 and Pope St. Paul VI in 1968.
The team also met Pope St. John Paul II a number of times over the course of his long pontificate. In November 2000, they awarded him an honorary player title — presenting him with a signed jersey bearing the number 75 to mark the team's 75th anniversary. He was only the seventh person in history to receive the honor.
It's Pope Leo's turn to twirl. The Harlem Globetrotters have a long tradition of visiting the Vatican. They performed for Pope Pius XII in 1951, St. John XXIII in 1959 & St. Paul VI in 1968. They met St. John Paul II a number of times & awarded him "honorary player" in 2000. pic.twitter.com/1OtsyICKQI
— Catholic News Service (@CatholicNewsSvc) April 8, 2026
