‘Holy Drip!’: Pope Leo XIV’s ‘Vintage’ Nike Sneakers Leave Internet Shaken Up

Not only is Pope Leo XIV the first ever Pope from the United States– but he is also the first in history– to leave people to become his “fans”, solely over his “Holy Drip”. Confused? Well, so was half the world, along with being stunned and even impressed, after spotting Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, rocking a pair of “vintage” Nike sneakers under his traditional white papal outfit. “Of course, the Pope from Chicago wears a Nike”- was the sentiment that largely took over social media, after pictures and videos of Pope Leo XIV in his Nike sneakers went online.The photo was part of a Vatican documentary, titled Leone a Roma, which was released on the first anniversary of Pope Leo XIV’s election. It was aired through Vatican News,

and was about his journey before he became the Pope. Ever since the documentary dropped online, netizens have left no opportunity ‘not taken’– in flaunting their creativity through memes, jokes and whatnot. As per many, the shoes are also no longer in production, hinting towards the possibility of the Pope owning and wearing the said pair for years.Born in Chicago, Pope Leo XIV has spent two decades in Peru, before moving to the Vatican. He has also reportedly served in the Augustinian order for 12 years, as its head. He was also leading the Vatican office responsible for vetting bishops before becoming the Pope.Check out the viral post:“Pope Leo XIV in a Catholic robe and Nike sneakers,” the post read.The post was shared on X (formerly Twitter) by the handle ‘TheoUw1’. It was shared today and has pulled many reactions from people.

👟 Pope Leo XIV in a Catholic robe and Nike sneakers. pic.twitter.com/HVm92REgy6

— Bapfakurera (@TheoUw1) May 9, 2026

Internet’s reactions:ALSO READ: 'I'm Pope Leo XIV': Bank Employee Ghosts Pope's Call; Story Explodes Online“The fact that the Nikes are vintage just makes me adore this pope even more!” a user said. “That is hilarious. Makes me love him even more,” added another person. “Of course the Pope from Chicago wears Nike,” added another.

The Pope is wearing Nike Franchise Low sneakers, which are no longer produced by Nike. He must've owned them for years, or even decades at this point. https://t.co/rSlUIOAUWe pic.twitter.com/8rjkuQ9XFA

— Templarpilled (@Templarpilled) May 8, 2026

Pope Leo was seen wearing Nike sneakers and he is being memed with millions of viewsEveryone is making meme templates and editing him, also today is Leo's 1 year anniversaryForgive me father for i have drippedhttps://t.co/IWRr84Wl8wsearch: https://t.co/QK0jCDaljt pic.twitter.com/a1YxtNSGTZ

— migratoor (@chillmigratoor) May 8, 2026