Pope Leo XIV was momentarily stunned after a scarf struck his skullcap and the crowd surged toward him during an emotionally charged event at the Vatican on the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

According to the Daily Mail, the new pontiff was briefly forced to retreat after an apparent AS Roma football scarf made contact with him and crowd barriers were broken by worshippers surging forward, prompting Pope Leo to call for calm before resuming his remarks and greeting listeners.

The Sunday gathering took place in San Damaso Square within Vatican City, as part of the Church’s observance of the global day focused on raising awareness about the impact of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. A red and yellow object, believed to be a scarf representing the AS Roma football club, was thrown from the audience and struck the Pope’s skullcap while he addressed attendees.

Initially startled, the Pope adjusted his skullcap just as the crowd began to press against security barriers in an attempt to move closer. The commotion heightened, with segments of the railings giving way under the swelling crowd’s pressure. Pope Leo XIV visibly gestured with his hands, urging people to calm down and step back from the broken barricade.

His security detail swiftly responded to the incident, approaching the area of concern and working to re-establish control over the gathering. For safety, the Pope stepped back for a moment, during which Vatican officials briefly paused the event to allow order to be restored. Despite the disruption, there were no reports of injuries, and the situation was quickly brought under control.

New pope hit during first major address

After security teams calmed the environment and stabilized the barrier, Pope Leo returned to engage again with those in attendance. He was seen smiling, shaking hands, and blessing a baby, signaling reassurance and composure in the face of the earlier disturbance. The atmosphere slowly returned to a calm reverence as his message resumed.

During his remarks, the pontiff sharply criticized policies that criminalize those suffering from addiction while ignoring those who profit from it. Highlighting the need for compassion and systemic accountability, the Pope urged world governments to address root causes rather than focusing blame on the most vulnerable. He expressed concern that punitive measures often fall on the poor while powerful figures at the top of the drug trade operate with impunity.

“Our fight is against those who make their immense business out of drugs and every other addiction, think of alcohol or gambling,” said the Pope. “There are huge concentrations of interest and extensive criminal organizations that states have a duty to dismantle.”

Pope calls for justice over punishment

Pope Leo XIV delivered a message rooted in advocacy for justice and social reform. He warned that modern responses to substance abuse have too often resulted in policies that criminalize poverty. “Too often, in the name of security, war is waged against the poor, filling prisons with those who are merely the final link in a chain of death,” he said.

He continued by highlighting the imbalance of accountability in global crime networks. “Those who hold the chain in their hands instead manage to gain influence and impunity,” he added, calling for a re-evaluation of policies that ignore systemic issues. He emphasized that cities should not attempt to exile the marginalized but rather eliminate the conditions that promote marginalization.

The event was attended by Italian government leaders and workers from various rehabilitation organizations, as well as individuals who are recovering from addiction. Attendees listened as the Pope emphasized human dignity and called for infrastructures that support—not punish—those battling substance issues. His comments aligned with his overall tone of empathy since taking office.

From missionary to Vatican leader

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost, was elected following a two-day conclave just one month prior to Sunday’s event. Hailing originally from the United States, he became the first U.S.-born pope in history. He had previously served as the head of the Augustinian seminary in Trujillo, Peru, where he began his missionary work in 1985.

Known for his reformist views and alignment with messages of social unity, the new pontiff has drawn comparisons with his predecessor, Pope Francis. His leadership approach blends policy critique with pastoral care, and his Vatican debut underscored this dual focus. Despite the turbulent start to Sunday’s ceremony, he remained dedicated to engaging the crowd personally after order was restored.

Pope Leo is also known for his interest in sports. According to Father Joseph Farrell, Vicar General of the Augustinians, the Pope is an avid tennis player who often found time to play at least once a week during his seminary years. “He’s a regular tennis player,” Farrell said. “He would come up and play on our grounds once a week at least.”

AS Roma: shared fandom sparks incident

The Pope’s well-documented support of AS Roma may have prompted the fan to toss the club scarf in excitement, despite the unintended results. Father Farrell confirmed the Pope’s passion for the team, saying simply, “He is Roma all the way.” The Vatican did not indicate whether the fan who threw the scarf faced any consequences.

AS Roma, in a statement posted to social media platform X following Pope Leo’s election, wrote: “AS Roma joins in rejoicing with Rome and the world following the election of Pope Leo XIV, and wishes him all the very best for his papacy.” The club did not issue a statement regarding Sunday’s incident at the Vatican.

Despite the momentary disturbance, the Pope’s calm demeanor and rapid return to engaging the crowd earned praise from many in attendance. His first major event as leader of the worldwide Catholic Church ended on a peaceful and hopeful note. Vatican officials said the incident highlighted the need for safety at large gatherings without diminishing the Pope’s personal connection to his followers.