The Vatican's announcement of its new leader has reignited an ongoing internet joke that YouTuber Trisha Paytas' children are reincarnations of historical world figures.
The bizarre theory first emerged in 2022, when Paytas gave birth to her first child just days after the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The coincidence sparked viral speculation that the monarch had been reborn as Paytas' daughter. The theory gained renewed attention in April, when Paytas announced she was expecting her third child just one month before the death of Pope Francis, prompting a new batch of jokes that she would give birth to his reincarnation.
On Thursday, the theory gained even more traction among her fans after it was revealed that Pope Francis' successor, Pope Leo XIV, hails from Paytas' home state of Illinois and was confirmed on her birthday.
As expected, social media users responded with tongue-in-cheek commentary.
"new pope on trisha paytas' birthday.. it's actually getting ridiculous," one X user wrote.
new pope on trisha paytas’ birthday.. it’s actually getting ridiculous😭😭 pic.twitter.com/I9EDGMMPvK
— AARON (@lidolmix) May 8, 2025
"Trisha Paytas and New Pope Robert Francis Prevost Are Both From Illinois," a fan X account shared.
Trisha Paytas and New Pope Robert Francis Prevost Are Both From Illinois. pic.twitter.com/Cxl5ufOGES
— TrishCrave (@TrishCrave) May 8, 2025
"the devil works hard, but Trisha Paytas works harder," another joked.
the devil works hard, but Trisha Paytas works harder 😫
— ౨ৎPrincess Lydia | BBW Findom𝜗𝜚 (@PrincessLydiaR) May 8, 2025
"have we ever seen the pope and Trisha in the same room????" a fourth added.
have we ever seen the pope and Trisha in the same room????
— Rylie (@RylieS_14) May 8, 2025
During a recent podcast episode of "Just Trish," Paytas acknowledged the viral theory and joked that she might name her baby "Pope" or "Francis" in response.
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