For those who thought trading cards were reserved solely for baseball legends or comic book heroes, Topps NOW has decided to put a divine twist on the traditional hobby. They’ve ceremoniously joined the Vatican in their rarefied card collection with the release of their new limited-edition card commemorating the historic election of Pope Leo XIV. Yes, you heard correctly. Trading cards are getting the papal treatment, and in doing so, they’ve decided to immortalize a moment in church history on a piece of collectible cardboard.
The card in question captures the iconic moment when Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff in the Catholic Church’s millennium-spanning history, made his first public appearance from the storied balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica. Below him, a crowd of 150,000 worshippers and curious onlookers converged to witness this historical turning point. This is indeed a monumental departure for a church that typically adheres to centuries-old traditions, finding an intersection with a corner of pop culture hitherto unexplored.
Available until May 11, 2025, for those fortunate enough to quickly click through Topps’ official website, this card not only captures a specific and significant moment in the life of Pope Leo XIV but serves as a bridge between the ancient rituals of the Vatican and the modern-day cravings of collectors. It’s a meeting point where history finds its place on humble cardboard.
The story of Robert Francis Prevost—a man now known globally as Pope Leo XIV—is a riveting chapter in the age-old narrative of the Catholic Church. When Pope Francis passed, the Vatican’s time-honored succession process kicked into gear—a precise choreography marked by a nine-day period of mourning, culminating in the secrecy-shrouded papal conclave. A mere 16 days later, the eyes of the world laid upon the Sistine Chapel as white smoke billowed forth, heralding the election of the Church’s 267th pope.
Entering the fray with its collectible nod to this papal ascension, Topps wastes no time—or opportunity—to contextualize this moment within the lexicon of modern collectibles. The card, for some, may stand as a relic, a talisman of sorts for collectors who seek to blend religious significance with the world of trading cards.
And like any collectible worth its salt, there’s an exclusive (and ultra-rare) variant—The “White Smoke” Short Print card. This special edition is limited to a mere 267 copies, a symbolic wink from Topps to those familiar with papal elections, as they mirror Leo XIV’s place as the 267th pontiff. These cards will be randomly distributed, creating a fervent chase among buyers, each hoping to snag a piece of papal lineage in their hands. The “White Smoke” cards serve as a metaphorical golden ticket for collectors, stirring a whirlwind of excitement for hobbyists and history enthusiasts alike.
Speculation naturally abounds as to whether this card will be crowned as the non-sport card du jour. Could it rival the golden sporting moments captured in the 2024 Olympic Basketball Topps NOW series or rub shoulders with the collectible sensation of Shohei Ohtani’s 50/50 milestone moment in history? While debates will linger among the ardent collectors and purists, the cultural gravitas of this release is indeed irrefutable.
Imagining a scenario where the ubiquitous papal white smoke turns into a prized collectible variation might seem outlandish, yet here we are, in a realm where sacred moments meet secular interests. For card collectors confusedly rubbing their eyes or history buffs scanning the horizon for their next keepsake, this offering from Topps NOW may very well feel… divine.
In a world where the past and present collide, where corridors of ancient traditions catechize through avenues of modern media, this Pope Leo XIV card doesn’t just capture a piece of history—it redefines the artistry of collection. As these cards make their way into the hands of those lucky enough to act quickly, it becomes more than just a card. It becomes a conversation starter, a semblance of connection to a moment years in the making, now carried forward through the seemingly simple gesture of a click, purchase, and mail delivery.
No doubt, when trading cards find their way into the Vatican—an unexpected realm for such collectibles—one may start to wonder what domain Topps could possibly conquer next. For now, the spotlight shines on St. Peter’s Basilica, where history has found a new auteur: Topps NOW.