Pope Leo’s Catch Stuns the Crowd—but Sparks Security Concerns

Social media users are all zeroing in on one issue after a surprising moment involving Pope Leo XIV and an unexpected gift.

A Warm Welcome—and a Flying Doll

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, born in Chicago, officially stepped into his new role as Pope Leo XIV on May 8. In just a few weeks, he has already made bold global calls—urging peace in Ukraine, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and applauding India and Pakistan for reaching a truce.

But on May 28, it wasn’t diplomacy that caught the spotlight—it was a doll.

A Quick Grab on the Move

While riding in the popemobile, Pope Leo stunned onlookers with a one-handed catch. A fan tossed a cloth doll dressed like the Pope himself, echoing the outfit he wore when he first appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Though the catch was impressive, the online reaction quickly shifted focus.

“Adorable—but Where’s Security?”

Social media exploded with concern. One Twitter user wrote, “Adorable, but his security is definitely slipping.”
Another chimed in: “Lovely to see, but seriously—what is his security doing?”
A third was more blunt: “That could be dangerous…”

A Modern Pope with a Classic Name

Pope Leo chose his name in honor of Pope Leo XIII. The 19th-century leader famously addressed the effects of the Industrial Revolution on workers’ lives in an open letter to Catholics.

Today, Pope Leo draws parallels between that era and modern advancements—especially artificial intelligence.

Addressing AI and Human Dignity

Speaking earlier this month, he warned about the rise of AI:

“In our own day, the Church offers everyone the treasury of its social teaching in response to another industrial revolution… and to developments in AI that pose new challenges for the defense of human dignity, justice, and labor.”

He praised Pope Francis for his example of humility, deep faith, and simple living—a model he intends to follow.