The Catholic Church has a new leader: Robert Francis Prevost MartÃnez, now known as Pope Leon XIV; elected as the successor to Francis, the new Supreme Pontiff not only continues the legacy of one of the most influential popes in recent history but also brings a unique perspective regarding sports.
Unlike his predecessor, Pope Francis, a passionate follower of Argentine football and San Lorenzo, Pope Leon XIV has sporting interests that lean in other directions.
In an interview with the Augustinian Order, the new pope described himself as an "amateur tennis player"; "Since I left Peru, I have had few opportunities to practice it, so I am very eager to get back on the court," he stated. For the pope, tennis is not just a pastime but also a way to relax and disconnect from the demands of his position; in addition to tennis, Pope Leon XIV enjoys reading, long walks, traveling, and nature.
But his passion for sports is not limited to tennis; being originally from Chicago, Pope Leon XIV grew up in a city with a rich sports history. The new pope is a fan of the Chicago Cubs of MLB, a fact that particularly resonated with Cubs fans, recalling the historic triumph of the team in the 2016 World Series, which ended a drought of over a century.
Additionally, Pope Leon XIV lived in Chicago during the golden era of the Chicago Bulls of Michael Jordan; therefore, it is very likely that he also closely followed the trajectory of the legendary NBA team during the 90s.
The election of Leon XIV generated great interest, not only in the religious realm but also in the world of sports. For the first time, the Catholic Church has as its leader a pope who grew up with a passion for baseball, basketball, and tennis.
