Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in history, has once again charmed the internet—this time with his reaction to a humorous gift from a visiting U.S. family.

Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost became the 267th Supreme Pontiff earlier this year following the death of Pope Francis. His election sparked widespread pride in his hometown of Dolton, Illinois, and across the U.S.

Since assuming the papacy, Pope Leo has drawn attention for his approachable nature and lighthearted embrace of American culture. In June, he went viral after wearing a Chicago White Sox cap over his papal robes.

Recently, an American family visiting the Vatican gifted him a t-shirt reading “Da Pope,” referencing the famous “Da Bears” sketch from Saturday Night Live. Rather than being offended, Pope Leo accepted it with laughter, endearing himself to many online.

“They’ll never let us have another American pope after this lol,” joked one Reddit user. Another added, “It shows they’re proud to have a pope from their city. We have a lot of hometown pride here.”

His relaxed attitude, paired with his willingness to speak out on serious issues like Gaza and Ukraine, has made Pope Leo a relatable figure to many. As one commenter noted, “He understands that faith can be serious and joyful at the same time.”

The moment adds to a growing list of viral gestures that reflect his unique blend of humility, humor, and spiritual leadership.

While some may view these light moments as unconventional, Pope Leo XIV is bridging tradition with modern connection—bringing the papacy closer to everyday people in a way that resonates across the globe.