Pope becomes honourary Globetrotter

He's got Catholics around the globe eating out of the palm of his hand.

So it seemed only fitting that Pope Francis turned his hand – or make that finger – to basketball when he met the Harlem Globetrotters this week.

Though not quite as adept with the ball as he is at offering spiritual guidance, the pontiff was made an honourary member of the legendary team when they visited the Vatican.

Showing off their moves for fans at St Peter's Square, the Globetrotters presented the pope with a singlet bearing his name and the number 90.

And he was even given a shot at their signature ball spinning trick – with a little help from one of the stars.

The meeting came as a stop-over during the team's tour of Italy and follows a similar audience with Pope John Paul II.

Although with their heavenly talent on the court, the Globetrotters hardly need any divine intervention.