When in Rome, do as the Harlem Globetrotters do.
While visiting Vatican City this week and celebrating their 90th year of dazzling audiences with an array of amazing basketball skills, the Harlem Globetrotters actually got to meet Pope Francis. As if getting blessings from the Pope weren't enough, the legendary hoops team actually taught him how to spin a basketball on his finger.
Now, for those unaware, spinning a basketball on your index finger is a staple trick that the Harlem Globetrotters show off at any and every one of their games.
Getting a headstart, one of the Globetrotters spun the ball on his own finger for a few seconds, before transferring it onto the Pope's finger. The Pope gave it a couple tries. Not bad for a first and second attempt at all. He almost had it too.
The Globetrotters had so much fun with his Holiness that they made him an honorary member of their squad.
"This is only the ninth time in 90 years that we've had an honorary member," a rep for the Harlem Globetrotters told TMZ Sports. "He knew who they were. He was laughing with the guys. He was very talkative."
After teaching him the classic Globetrotters' trick, the Pope proceeded to thank and bless the team's players.
On whether Pope Francis will suit up for their game in Rome on Friday night, though, is not likely.
"I don't think so," the rep said, "he's pretty busy."
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