In a move that intertwines religious history with the world of collectibles, Topps NOW has crafted an eye-catching departure from its usual sports-based fare by commemorating an unparalleled event in the Catholic Church’s storied timeline. Introducing a limited-edition trading card that celebrates the election of Pope Leo XIV, this release represents not only a blending of traditions but also, quite frankly, a triumph in the niche market of trading cards.

The backstory is quite as captivating as the release itself. It began with the passing of Pope Francis, which set in motion a centuries-old protocol involving a period of mourning that immersed the Vatican in solemn reflection, and subsequently led to the much-anticipated conclave. As days turned into weeks, the eyes of not just Catholics, but folks from all faiths and walks of life, were trained on the Vatican’s famed Sistine Chapel. Adhering to tradition, when the conclave concluded in consensus, the iconic white smoke billowed into the sky, announcing that the Church had a new leader.

Emerging from these monumental events came the election of Robert Francis Prevost, who took the name Pope Leo XIV, marking a first in the Church’s history—a Pope hailing from America. As he stepped onto the balcony at St. Peter’s Basilica, the scene was electric, with almost 150,000 devotees and curious spectators alike bearing witness to an event of profound significance.

Topps NOW, ever the culturally astute brand, wasted no time in capturing this slice of history within cardboard confines—a trading card that encapsulates Pope Leo XIV’s first public appearance. Available for a limited window through May 11, 2025, these cards are rolled out exclusively on Topps’ official website. Yet, within the realm of collectors, just any card won’t do. Enter the “White Smoke” Short Print, a spectacularly rare edition, limited to precisely 267 copies. This numeral is a reverent nod to Pope Leo XIV’s position as the 267th pontiff.

This isn’t just about the attractiveness of the card itself—although one might argue that the allure of papal white smoke transcended into a collectible adds a flair of mysticism that even the most dazzling sports highlights can’t match. It’s about the thrill of the chase for collectors, echoing the fervor with which fans scavenge for rare player cards or misprints. Only this time, the stakes feel celestial—a divine intervention of sorts in the world of hobbyists.

Positioned alongside heavyweights of non-sports cards such as the 2024 Olympic Basketball Topps NOW cards or the coveted Shohei Ohtani’s 50/50 milestone card, this papal edition is fated to intrigue a broader audience. It invites not just staunch card collectors but also Catholics and those with a penchant for historical memorabilia. Its poignant blend of spiritual and collectible promise invites questions—could this be the dark horse that races ahead in the non-sport card circuit this year?

Some might find the concept a tad unorthodox—one rarely associates the reverent white smoke of papal announcements with the commercial allure of trading cards. Yet this cognitive dissonance is exactly what captures the imagination. In a world rich with diverse pursuits and interests, Topps has offered a product that serves as a communal bridge, inviting both card enthusiasts and religious observants to cherish a historical milestone together.

What makes this an especially intriguing departure isn’t merely the historical event it honors. Nor is it the sheer thrill of potentially snagging the illustrious “White Smoke” edition. It’s the dialogue it opens—between faith and fandom, between time-honored rituals and modern collecting culture.

As Topps NOW melds the holy with the hobby, it sparks a fascinating intersection of tradition and modernity. This unique liaison marks a shift not just in who and what gets immortalized in fleeting pieces of collectible art, but also in the ever-evolving narrative that surrounds the Church and its global flock.

For around 1.4 billion Catholics and countless other followers around the globe who appreciate either papal procession or trading card magic, this charming little card could just be a pearl of great price. In the end, whether these cards become a historical footnote or a collectible sensation in time will be judged. But for now, amid the card enthusiasts and ecclesiastical historians, Topps NOW has surely elevated its game to divine heights.

Topps Now Pope Leo