Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta and his new wife, Callie, started their marriage with a once-in-a-lifetime moment: receiving a blessing from Pope Leo XIV in Rome.
LaPorta, who married Callie on June 14, 2025, shared photos on Instagram of their meeting with the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, thanking him for the special moment. “Thank you to a very busy man for blessing me and my bride. A special moment we’ll never forget,” LaPorta wrote, adding the hashtag #Catholic.
The newlyweds’ photographer described their wedding as “simple, sincere, and overflowing with love,” emphasizing the couple’s devotion to faith, family, and friends.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, was elected in May 2025 following Pope Francis’ passing. Before his papacy, he spent two decades as a missionary in Peru, later becoming Bishop of Chiclayo, Archbishop, and then Cardinal.
Fans were quick to hope LaPorta’s blessing would translate into a big season for the Lions. “LaGoata is now blessed by the Pope. Record-breaking season incoming,” one commented.
Given the Lions’ offseason challenges—including losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to the Bears and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to the Jets—some divine intervention might be just what Detroit needs heading into the 2025 NFL season.
Lions’ Sam LaPorta Gets Blessed by Pope Leo XIV on Honeymoon in Rome
