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Flyers’ Playoff Push Gets a Papal Twist After Fans Deliver Jersey to Pope Leo XIV

Philadelphia holds a one-point edge for the final Eastern playoff spot with three games to play after a 9-4 run.

Pope Leo XIV arrives for his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Pope Leo XIV arrives for his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Pope Leo XIV gives his thumbs up as he arrives for his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
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Overview

  • A Philadelphia family says Pope Leo XIV accepted a custom No. 14 “Pope Leo” Flyers jersey during a St. Peter’s Square audience on March 18 after he pointed to it and security retrieved it.
  • The Flyers beat Anaheim later that night to start a three-game winning streak and a 9-4 stretch that lifted them into playoff contention.
  • The club now holds a one-point lead for the final Eastern Conference spot with three regular-season games left.
  • A 60-second home video of the exchange, posted to TikTok by a family member, helped the moment spread widely online.
  • Fans split on credit for the surge, with some citing the papal gesture and others spotlighting rookie Porter Martone, who has one goal and four points in his first five NHL games.