Pope Leo XIV Joins Viral ‘6-7’ Trend with Young Catholics

A group of young Catholics introduced Pope Leo XIV to the viral ‘6-7’ gesture, a meme that has puzzled many outside the Gen Alpha demographic for over a year. The encounter took place during a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, where the pope met with children preparing for confirmation.

Don Roberto Fiscer, a 49-year-old priest and influencer from Genoa, led the group. He asked the children, ‘What is it that you kids do?’ The children responded by performing the ‘6-7’ gesture, moving their hands up and down in the meme’s signature motion. Amused, the pope replicated the gesture, saying, ‘6-7.’

Fiscer explained the intention behind teaching the pope the gesture. ‘Since the pope is one of us, and we greet each other like this, he should learn this greeting too,’ he stated. ‘Especially because kids all over the world greet each other like this.’

What Does ‘6-7’ Mean?

For adults confused by the ‘6-7’ phenomenon, the meaning may be disappointing: it is essentially meaningless. It is a reference to a meme, popularized by a drill rap song titled ‘Doot Doot’ by Skrilla, where the lyric ‘six-seven’ is repeated.

The audio first appeared in a TikTok video discussing Charlotte Hornets player LaMelo Ball. The commentator noted Ball’s height, claiming he moved like someone shorter, then stating he was ‘6’7,’ prompting the song to begin.

The phrase gained traction after young basketball enthusiasts added a hand gesture. Gen Alpha, those born from 2010 onward, embraced it as a group identifier, leaving adults puzzled.

A Fading Meme?

As adults discussed ‘6-7,’ trying to embrace its fun or decode its meaning, its appeal waned. The meme is now widely considered to be declining. In March, actor Amy Poehler mentioned on her podcast ‘Good Hang’ that ‘6-7’ was ‘over now. No one’s saying it anymore.’

Now, with Pope Leo XIV participating in ‘6-7,’ the meme may have reached its peak audience. It signals a possible end to its enigmatic allure for Gen Alpha.