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Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta recently experienced a unique and profound moment on his honeymoon in Italy – anointing by none other than Pope Leo XIV.
Just 10 days after his intimate Catholic wedding to longtime partner Callahan “Callie” Dellinger, LaPorta and his bride received a papal blessing that underscored the spiritual depth of their union.
LaPorta quietly tied the knot with Callie on June 14, 2025, in a private ceremony at Holy Name Parish, featuring candles and flowers as intimate décor.
In an Instagram post, Callie reflected on the foundation of their marriage, writing, “A house built on rock. 6/14/25.” Their celebration had all the hallmarks of a deeply personal ceremony, led by family and close friends in a meaningful, faith-centered setting.
Less than two weeks later, during their honeymoon, the newlyweds encountered Pope Leo XIV in a chance moment that became extraordinary. As Sam noted on Instagram: “Thank you to a very busy man for blessing me and my bride. A special moment we’ll never forget.” The brief exchange captured a timeless gesture of faith between the athlete and the Pontiff.
A love story from Iowa to the Vatican
LaPorta and Callie’s history is rooted in mutual faith and shared college experiences – they met at the University of Iowa, he as a standout tight end and she a dedicated rower.
The couple announced their engagement in February 2024, capturing hearts with a beachside proposal photo of Sam. Their love story blossomed naturally, culminating in the wedding and this unexpected papal blessing.
After being chosen 34th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, LaPorta made an immediate impact in Detroit, earning Pro Bowl recognition, Second-Team All-Pro honors, and setting a rookie playoff receiving yardage record. His emergence as a premier tight end has paralleled his journey of personal growth and devotion.
Pope Leo XIV – formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost – made history last month as the first American-born pope. Known for his strong ties to Catholic teaching, especially around family and labor dignity, his blessing of the LaPortas reflects his pastoral approach and focus on family values.
In this light, the blessing carries profound symbolism. It was not a public papal audience; but rather a personal pastoral moment – a recognition of the LaPortas’ union in the eyes of their faith’s highest authority. This intimate gesture highlights how athletes are more than public figures-they are spouses, partners, and individuals with genuine spiritual lives.
LaPorta’s low-key life away from the field
The blessing also aligns with LaPorta’s off-field character. He’s chosen a low-key wedding, active family life, and strong public expressions of faith. It shows that for LaPorta, marriage is not just a life milestone – it is a living expression of values and legacy.
Sam and Callie LaPorta’s encounter with Pope Leo XIV marks a rare intersection between NFL fame and ecclesiastical tradition. A quiet wedding amplified by a papal blessing transforms what could be a standard sports-celebrity narrative into a deeply spiritual story.
As LaPorta continues to rise in the NFL, it’s this moment of humble faith – shared between athlete, spouse, and Pope – that defines his personal journey.
In the end, the narrative isn’t just about touchdowns and career milestones; it’s about the power of beliefs, love, and blessings that transcend fame. For Sam and Callie, the Pope’s words on their honeymoon will echo throughout a marriage built on love, conviction, and shared faith.
This news was originally published on this post .
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