WHEN we first saw this photograph of MEP Nina Carberry meeting Pope Leo XIV, we were sure it had to be a fake. But it really happened.

Last Saturday, as part of a visit by the European People’s Party to the Vatican, Nina was honoured to meet The Holy Father. During the encounter, Nina presented His Holiness with a copy of National Hunt and Point-to-Point Racing in Ireland: A History, by Frances Nolan.

We’re told Pope Leo XIV is a longstanding horse enthusiast, originating from his time spent horseback riding in Peru. He was previously gifted a pure-bred Arabian horse named Proton in October 2025.

During her time with Pope Leo, Nina also presented her daughter’s rosary beads to be blessed, ahead of her First Holy Communion in two weeks’ time.

And, no, we are NOT running a caption competition with this photograph. As Trump discovered, this Pope is not to be crossed.