GTA Games and the Papacy – The Unexpected Connection Between Popes and Rockstar’s Releases

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A Reddit discovery reveals an amusing pattern—every mainline GTA games has launched under a different pope

Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto series has always pushed boundaries, but one fan noticed an unexpected trend: every major GTA release has coincided with a new pope. This quirky observation has sparked discussions online about whether the franchise has an unintentional (or intentional?) papal connection.

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GTA Games and the Papacy – The Unexpected Connection Between Popes and Rockstar’s Releases

The GTA-Pope Timeline

A Reddit user highlighted that each main GTA games has debuted under a different pope’s reign:

  • GTA (1997) – Pope John Paul II
  • GTA III (2001) – Still Pope John Paul II (but the first 3D entry)
  • GTA: Vice City (2002) – Pope John Paul II
  • GTA: San Andreas (2004) – Pope John Paul II
  • GTA IV (2008) – Pope Benedict XVI
  • GTA V (2013) – Pope Francis

Now, with GTA 6 expected in 2025, some fans are jokingly asking: Will there be a new pope by then?

GTA games released per pope
byu/rr770 inGTA

Is This Just a Coincidence?

While the pattern is amusing, it’s likely just a quirk of timing:

  • Popes serve long tenures (John Paul II was pope for 27 years).
  • Rockstar releases GTA games roughly every 5-7 years.
  • The Catholic Church isn’t known for scheduling papal transitions around video game launches.

Still, the observation has led to funny memes, with fans suggesting:

  • “Rockstar waits for a new pope before dropping a GTA games.”
  • “GTA VI delayed until the next conclave.”

What This Means for GTA 6

Pope Francis, 87, is the current pontiff. While there’s no indication of an imminent papal change, some fans are humorously speculating:

  • If GTA 6 releases in 2025, will Francis still be pope?
  • If a new pope is elected, will Rockstar take it as a sign to launch?

Of course, this is all in good fun—Rockstar’s release schedule depends on development, not Vatican events.

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A Funny Gaming Conspiracy

While the GTA-pope trend is purely coincidental, it’s an entertaining example of how fans find patterns in unexpected places. Whether GTA 6 arrives under Francis or a successor, one thing’s certain: players are ready for Rockstar’s next masterpiece.

Do you think there’s any meaning behind this trend, or is it just a silly coincidence? Let us know in the comments!

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(Note: This article is meant for entertainment—no actual papal influence on GTA is implied.)

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