During the Vatican General Audience on April 8th, the Harlem Globetrotters brought their signature flair to the Holy See, teaching Pope Leo XIV how to spin a basketball on his fingertip before presenting him with a personalized jersey.
The meeting adds a new chapter to the team’s storied relationship with the papacy, which spans over seven decades:
Pope Pius XII (1951): The first recorded performance for a pontiff.
St. John XXIII (1959) & St. Paul VI (1968): Continued the tradition of basketball diplomacy.
St. John Paul II: Met the team several times and was officially named an "honorary player" in 2000.
Now, it’s Pope Leo XIV’s turn to join the ranks of the world’s most famous exhibition team, proving that the "Ambassadors of Goodwill" still know how to bridge worlds—one trick shot at a time.
Image Vatican Media
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
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