The pope has a sweet tooth, and the only cure is more Peeps!
EWTN News President Montse Alvarado revealed in a recent interview that she gave Pope Leo XIV the iconic marshmallow sweets — his favorite candy — ahead of his birthday earlier this year.
Pope Leo XIV’s “favorite candy is Peeps, so I gave him Peeps for his birthday!” — EWTN News President Montse Alvarado shared this lighthearted moment at the pre-event gathering ahead of the NCYC Digital Experience with Pope Leo XIV.
Alvarado reflected on her personal encounter… pic.twitter.com/JoVB3FTnIZ
— EWTN News Nightly (@EWTNNewsNightly) November 12, 2025
Alvarado said she gave him the Peeps to remind him “he’s a little American.”
“I’m a lot a bit American!” he reportedly responded to her. Leo is the first American to be named pope.
Alvarado shared the story in a recent interview ahead of the National Catholic Youth Conference, being held next week in Indianapolis, which Leo will join via video for a 45-minute conversation with youth there. EWTN is a Catholic news network. She met with the pontiff to speak about the conference.
Peeps are made by Bethlehem-based Just Born and have been a staple at holidays, notably Easter, for decades. The company’s other offerings include Hot Tamales, Mike and Ike fruit chews and Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews.
Pope Leo’s brother, John Prevost, first revealed the pontiff’s love of Peeps during a wide-ranging interview over the summer. When asked what he would bring with him when he planned to travel to meet the pope in October, Prevost cited the marshmallow candy.
“That’s his favorite candy on Earth,” he said.