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

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

image is not available

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.

Newswav Malaysia Best News App

Newswav is an online content aggregator and obtains its content from different online sources. The content in the app do not belong to Newswav nor do they reflect the opinions of Newswav and its staff. Your use of this app indicates your understanding and acceptance of this information.

Newswav Sdn. Bhd. (201701008480 (1222645-M)) 2026 All Rights Reserved