The Papal Artifacts’ Collection is filled with memorable and priceless artifacts–and the memorable and priceless stories of the Curator’s acquisition of them. And one of the most delightful is the April 29, 2015 signing of a baseball by a very gracious Holy Father. Below are some memories of that day.
We have told this story before and decided it bears repeating!
Some say pictures are worth a thousand words, but for Father Richard Kunst, it’s a signed baseball that left him speechless.
Father Kunst traveled to Rome in April 2015 and met Pope Francis, and the Pope signed his baseball.
“I was on cloud nine. I was pumped,” said Father Kunst. “I am a student of papal history, and the papacy is something that’s my passion, so for the opportunity to converse with the Holy Father is a big deal.”
Why a baseball?
“The rarity and uncommon nature of it,” said Father Kunst. “You can bring something like this out to people not interested in the faith and a signed baseball would still maybe speak to them a bit.”
- Pope Francis Signing the Baseball
- Pope Francis Agreeing to Sign Father’s Baseball
- Pope Francis Agreeing to Sign Father’s Baseball
- Father Richard Kunst reacting to Pope Francis signing his baseball.
Sports Illustrated: Pope Francis signed a baseball for a Minnesota priest
The Washington Times: Duluth priest says Pope Francis signed baseball for him
Fox 21 KQDS: Local Priest Gets Pope Francis Autographed Baseball