The crowd outside the Vatican on November 21, 2025, witnessed a moment that blended faith, sport, and a dash of marketing flair. Pope Leo XIV, known for his approachable demeanor, became the unexpected star of a viral sensation when he caught and waved a Tyrone GAA number 14 jersey tossed his way by Tyrone film producer Aidan Gallagher. The event unfolded during the Pope’s weekly General Audience, and it’s fair to say, it’s not every day the Pontiff finds himself in the middle of a Gaelic football tribute!
As the story goes, Aidan Gallagher was in Rome with a mission: to promote his new documentary series, The Kingship of Christ. But he and his colleague Joe Passmore, whom Gallagher described as a “bit of a genius” when it comes to marketing, had a plan to grab attention beyond the usual press releases and interviews. Their idea? Get the iconic Tyrone number 14 jersey into the hands of the Pope himself, and capture the moment for the world to see.
“It was a great catch. The 14 jersey from Tyrone has an energy in itself. It took on its own life and landed in the hands of the Pope,” Gallagher told BBC Radio Ulster’s Good Morning Ulster programme. He wasn’t shy about sharing the credit, either, emphasizing that the jersey seemed to have a destiny of its own that day. “I just hoped my throw was a good one. I would have been terrible had I missed. Fair play to him. It was a great catch.”
For those not steeped in Tyrone GAA lore, the number 14 jersey is more than just a shirt – it’s a symbol. “The number 14 jersey for Tyrone is obviously a sacred thing in Tyrone itself,” Gallagher explained. “Some great men have worn it in the past; Frank McGuigan, the king as we used to call him, and Peter Canavan, who in our own county, is our own Saint Peter if you like.” The reverence for the shirt is palpable, and now, thanks to one well-timed throw and an enthusiastic catch, it’s found its way to the Vatican.
The plan, Gallagher revealed, was hatched with a nod to modern marketing. “We hoped that by throwing the jersey and taking a video and photographs of the catch, we could make the documentary more visible to younger audiences. Could we really get a photograph of Leo with the number 14 jersey?” The gamble paid off. Footage of the Pope’s catch and subsequent wave to the crowd has gone viral, making waves across social media platforms and sparking conversations from Tyrone to Rome and beyond.
There’s a bit of playful speculation now among the Red Hand county faithful. Could Pope Leo XIV become a secret supporter as Tyrone gears up for next year’s bid to lift the Sam Maguire Cup? After all, he’s now got his very own ‘Leo 14’ red and white top. The image of the Pontiff cheering on the team from his Vatican residence, jersey draped over his shoulders, is a delightful one for fans. And as one article quipped, Canavan might now have a rival for the most influential star to ever don the O’Neill county’s number 14 shirt.
Gallagher recounted the moment with a sense of fun and satisfaction. “We actually initially missed the opportunity of shaking hands with him and we just took that opportune moment of pitching it at the right time,” he said. The throw itself became a bit of a legend in its own right, with Gallagher admitting he’d have been “terrible had I missed.” But there was no need for regret. The Pope, described as a “younger man,” showed “glee and gusto” as he reached out, caught the jersey, and held it high for all to see. “And, fair play to him,” Gallagher added, clearly delighted by the outcome.
The moment also served a higher purpose for the documentary series. “It was just a great opportunity to tell the world about this production that we have... If you can have fun doing your work, why not?” Gallagher mused. The Kingship of Christ, which explores themes of leadership and faith, now has an unexpected and memorable promotional boost. And thanks to Joe Passmore’s marketing instincts, the project has captured the imagination of a much broader audience.
The viral nature of the footage speaks to the power of sport and spectacle to transcend boundaries. The Pope’s catch has been replayed countless times online, drawing cheers and laughter from viewers around the globe. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of both the Gaelic games and the universal language of a good-natured gesture. Social media platforms lit up with reactions, as fans and onlookers alike shared their amusement and pride in seeing their county’s colors held aloft by the leader of the Catholic Church.
For Tyrone supporters, the number 14 jersey is woven into the fabric of their sporting identity. Frank McGuigan and Peter Canavan are legends whose exploits have inspired generations. Now, with Pope Leo XIV’s impromptu display, the shirt has taken on a new chapter in its storied history. As Gallagher put it, “The 14 jersey from Tyrone has an energy in itself. It took on its own life and landed in the hands of the Pope.” The moment was both spontaneous and deeply symbolic, a blend of tradition and modernity that captured the spirit of the occasion.
And what of the future? With the Championship season on the horizon, Tyrone fans are already dreaming big. The Pope’s blessing – literal or otherwise – has become a talking point, adding a touch of humor and hope to the team’s preparations. Whether or not he tunes in to watch the Red Hand county’s campaign unfold, there’s no doubt that his unexpected connection to Tyrone GAA has brought a smile to many faces.
As the sun set over St. Peter’s Square, the echoes of cheers and laughter lingered. The number 14 jersey, once worn by local heroes, now has a story that reaches all the way to the Vatican. And for Aidan Gallagher, Joe Passmore, and everyone back in Tyrone, it’s a memory – and a marketing coup – that won’t soon be forgotten.
With the footage still making the rounds online and fans speculating about the Pope’s newfound allegiance, the buzz shows no sign of fading. One thing’s for sure: when sport, faith, and a bit of creative thinking collide, you never quite know what’s going to happen next.
