Forget sealed Base Set boxes and PSA 10 Charizards. The collecting world is losing its mind over a new, one-of-a-kind card that could be the most unique collectible in existence: a simple Popplio signed by “Pope Leo XIV.”
In a post on Reddit that has since gone viral, a fan shared a photo of the historic moment, having chosen the Sea Lion Pokémon for one perfect reason: the pun. The name “Popplio” sounds remarkably like “Pope Leo,” a clever joke that the head of the church was apparently happy to be in on.
The result? A common card, a type of card usually found in abundance with low pull rates, has been transformed into what might just be the ultimate chase card.
To Grade or Not to Grade? The Papal Autograph Conundrum
Naturally, the TCG community’s first question was about the card’s future. “Get that signature authenticated and get the card graded,” one user urged. But it’s not that simple. This isn’t your typical athlete or voice actor signature, and collectors were quick to point out the potential grading nightmares that affect what makes a Pokémon card valuable.
First, there’s the pen. “Bro should’ve brought a sharpie,” cried one commenter, noting the less-than-ideal ballpoint pen used on the glossy card stock. Others pointed out the signature itself is a bit shaky, likely due to the Pope signing it while standing. Most tragically for condition purists, the pen appears to have left a small indentation, leading one user to dub it a “hole-y Popplio.”
Would PSA or Beckett even authenticate a papal autograph? What would the surface grade be with that pen mark? This card is a fascinating case study that pushes the boundaries of TCG collecting.
New Meta Incoming: Holy/Water Type Confirmed?
While collectors debated the card’s physical attributes, players in the community had a different take, immediately theory-crafting the card’s new in-game abilities. The signed Popplio, they joked, has now received a significant buff.
“It’s a Holy Water type now,” one user declared. Another assigned it “+10 holy damage” and “+100 blessings.” The natural follow-up question was about type matchups: “Are holy-types strong against dark-type Pokemon?” some wondered. Given Popplio’s “Disarming Voice” attack—a Fairy-type move that never misses—the entire situation felt pre-ordained.
This Popplio from the Sun & Moon set, once worth pennies, has become a true legend. It’s a testament to the creativity and humor of the Pokémon community, proving that sometimes the most valuable card isn’t the one with the highest PSA grade, but the one with the wildest story.
Your move, Logan Paul.
