Pope Leo confirmed his intention to back the United States national soccer team at the upcoming World Cup during a conversation with journalists while flying from Rome to Madrid.
The pontiff - the first U.S. leader of the global Catholic Church and a native of a south Chicago suburb - said he would be supporting the U.S. side when the 48-team tournament kicks off. "I would certainly support the U.S.," the pope said. "I dont know how many games Ill be able to see but I wish them all the best."
The United States, which is co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico, has been drawn into Group D along with Paraguay, Australia and Turkey.
Before his election, the pope spent decades serving as a missionary and bishop in Peru, and he previously told interviewers he would back Peru over the United States in any direct matchups. With Peru not qualifying for this years competition, the popes remarks open the way for him to express explicit support for the U.S. team.
The comments came as he began a week-long visit to Spain and the Canary Islands. On the same flight, when asked about loyalties between Spains two major club rivals, Real Madrid and Barcelona, he paused and drew a distinction between his role and his personal preference. "The pope is for all teams," he said, then added, "Prevost is for Real Madrid." The pope was born Robert Prevost.
Context and observations
The popes remarks combine his public role as a spiritual leader with private affinities rooted in his life story: a U.S. upbringing, long service in Peru, and current duties in the Vatican. He acknowledged a practical limitation to his engagement with the tournament when he said he did not know how many matches he would be able to watch.
The exchange with reporters highlights two kinds of identification - national and personal - that can influence public interest in both sporting events and papal travels, while also underscoring the logistical constraints of an active travel schedule.