Holy schizophrenia, Batman! Destiny truly was in the cards—perhaps with a sprinkle of divine providence. Pope Leo XIV, already making history as the first American-born leader of the Roman Catholic Church, has now scored an unexpected honor that might just deserve a spot next to the papal tiara: a record-breaking trading card release by Topps.
Topps, a cornerstone of American pop culture and the undisputed heavyweight in trading cards and collectibles, has seen its fair share of legends—sports icons, blockbuster heroes, and even political figures. But the fervor surrounding Pope Leo XIV’s debut in the Topps Now series was nothing short of a holy sensation. For a company built on home runs and slam dunks, it’s rare to see a bishop’s mitre take center stage. Yet this surge in sales isn’t just about novelty—it speaks volumes about the pride and curiosity ignited by the rise of an American to the papal throne.
Topps Now specializes in capturing lightning-in-a-bottle moments, and this particular card—a simple, solemn tribute to the newly elected Chicago-born pontiff—was listed at a modest $8.99. Available for just a brief window, the card became a must-have for the faithful and fans alike, eager to claim a tangible memento of a truly historic moment.
According to Topps, the limited-edition run of Pope Leo XIV’s card sold a staggering 133,535 units between Thursday and Sunday, setting a new all-time sales record for any non-sports card in the brand’s long and storied history. In other words, this wasn’t just a papal milestone—it was a collector’s miracle.
From pews to portfolios, Pope Leo XIV is proving he has cross-market appeal. While he shepherds over a billion Catholics worldwide, he’s also unexpectedly inspiring collectors, card traders, and pop culture. In the grand tradition of Topps legends, the Holy Father has become a trading card titan, proving that when it comes to influence, he’s got both spiritual and cardboard clout.
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