Pope Leo XIV launches Vatican deficit campaign, scores with collectible card

Pope Leo XIV led the solemn celebration of Saints Peter and Paul, patrons of Rome and its Diocese, at St. Peter’s Basilica on Sunday, June 29. During the Mass, he blessed and bestowed the pallium upon 54 newly appointed Metropolitan archbishops, eight of from the United States. Metropolitan archbishops lead a major city or metropolis. 

The pallium is a narrow vestment containing lamb’s wool. It symbolizes a dedication to shepherding the flock. This garment also signifies the authority which the bearer possesses within his diocese.

Later in the day, the pontiff shared his weekly Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square.  He thanked all of those who have contributed to the church. June 29 often includes a second collection for “Peter’s Pence.” The collection helps subsidize much of the Vatican’s government as well as pays for Pope Leo’s charitable foundations.

The Associated Press reported Leo is rolling out a new campaign to help bail out the Vatican’s deficit.  The AP shows the fund as a hot topic within the church after an investigation uncovered the Vatican’s secretariat of state made bad investments, thus creating a budget shortfall. 

Collectible Pope card

Meanwhile, a Topps baseball card bearing the image of Leo has become a hit with collectors. Sports Illustrated reported that a Pope Leo XIV Superfractor 1 of 1 sold for $16,500 through a card collector auction site. Topps NOW also released a White Smoke version. The cards numbered up to 267, because Leo is the 267th pope.

The cards were printed ahead of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s celebration of Leo back on June 14. The first American pope shared a video message on the jumbotron at Rate Field — home of the Chicago White Sox. The 69-year-old Augustinian missionary was raised in south suburban Chicago and earned his master’s in divinity from Chicago Theological Union. He is also an avid White Sox fan.