Pope Leo XIV’s Nike Sneakers Ignite Global Fanfare

Footage from documentary *Leone a Roma* shows Pope wearing Nike Franchise Low Plus, prompting calls for ‘Air Leo’ sneaker line

Pope Leo XIV, 71 years old, the first American Pope, has sparked global attention as images of him wearing white Nike sneakers with a prominent black Swoosh (Nike logo) under his white clerical garments were revealed on the occasion of his first anniversary of enthronement on the 8th.

Vatican News released a trailer for the documentary *Leone a Roma* (Leo in Rome), commemorating the anniversary, which captured the Pope wearing the sneakers. The footage was reportedly filmed during his time in Rome before his election as Pope last year. Global netizens have enthusiastically dubbed it the “Holy drip.” A sneaker specialty outlet reported that the shoes are Nike’s Franchise Low Plus, a model originally released as a tennis shoe in the 1970s and reissued in the late 2000s. Online reactions included, “The most stylish Pope in history” and “Nike should release Air Leo after Air Jordan.”

Pope Leo XIV is known as a sports enthusiast. Born in Chicago, he is a passionate fan of the Chicago White Sox. Footage of him attending the White Sox’s World Series victory in 2005, their first in 88 years, was made public. After his enthronement, he also drew attention for appearing in a White Sox cap.