Pope Leo spins basketball on his finger as Harlem Globetrotters teach him classic trick

9 Apr 2026 • 5:07 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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Pope Leo XIV learned a classic Harlem Globetrotters trick from the US exhibition basketball team as he welcomed them to Vatican City's St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday (8 April).

During the audience, the pontiff attempted to spin their red, white, and blue basketball on a finger with help from one of the players, drawing cheers and smiles from those around him.

The moment was reminiscent of a previous visit to the Vatican by the team, when Pope Francis also tried to keep a ball spinning on a single finger.