In a delightful twist that marries the solemnity of religious tradition with the playful modernity of trading card culture, Topps NOW has made headlines by releasing a limited-edition trading card commemorating the election of Pope Leo XIV. The card, infused with historical significance and a collector’s dream, captures the poignant moment when Pope Leo XIV, the first American to assume the papal role, greeted the world from the iconic balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. This breathtaking inaugural appearance was witnessed by an awe-inspired crowd of approximately 150,000 faithful individuals who gathered in anticipation of this monumental moment.
This exclusive card is available for purchase only until May 11, 2025, and can be found exclusively through the official Topps website. It’s not just a card, but a snapshot of global history, a tangible piece of an event that will be etched in the annals of the Catholic Church forever.
The process leading up to this unique card’s creation was steeped in tradition. The passing of Pope Francis triggered a time-honored sequence of events in the Vatican, starting with a nine-day mourning period, which was followed by the highly secretive papal conclave. Here, cardinals from around the globe convened to make the crucial decision on who would lead the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. After 16 intense days, the world was signaled by the age-old sign of white smoke billowing into the Roman sky, heralding the election of the 267th pope: Robert Francis Prevost, now revered as Pope Leo XIV.
Topps, an iconic name in the world of collectibles, seized this historical moment with the creation of an illustrious trading card, blending the sanctity of a religious milestone with their signature flair for the collectible. With this release, Topps is revamping the notion of what a trading card can represent, merging the exciting world of collectible periphery with an event that symbolizes faith and unity around the globe.
An element of intrigue is added to the mix with the release of a “White Smoke” Short Print. This special edition is limited to just 267 copies, a deliberate and meaningful nod to Pope Leo XIV’s place in the papal lineage. Distributed at random among Topps NOW buyers, these rare cards introduce a thrilling aspect of chase, much akin to the fervor often found among sports card collectors.
But could this unique pop-culture-meets-history card become the biggest non-sport card of the year? The potential is certainly there. With the vastness of the Catholic Church’s following and the simple yet profound beauty encapsulated in this card, it could certainly stretch well beyond the typical audience of trading cards. Although it remains to be seen if this card will rival the excitement generated by sports-related releases, such as the 2024 Olympic Basketball Topps NOW cards or the ever-iconic Shohei Ohtani’s 50/50 milestone card, the cultural and historical significance of the Pope Leo XIV card is indisputable and stands in a category of its own.
This unique release has set tongues wagging, as it’s not every day that papal imagery and rituals make their way into the world of trading cards. The juxtaposition of papal white smoke as a collectible variation is unprecedented, blending two worlds that seemingly stand at opposite ends of the spectrum.
So, for those passionate collectors and history enthusiasts who find themselves striving for a deeper connection to this historic moment, this card’s release is nothing short of divine providence. A valuable asset for both seasoned collectors and new entrants into the world of trading cards, Pope Leo XIV’s limited edition card transcends its cardboard nature, serving as both a piece of collectible culture and a memento that immortalizes one of the Catholic Church’s pivotal moments in its history.
