During a recent meeting in Barcelona, Pope Leo XIV turned the conversation toward the unifying power of soccer, describing the sport as a microcosm of life’s journey and emphasizing how its rhythms echo the steps we take in faith.
He recalled his own youthful days, playing defense for a local team in the Peruvian diocese of Chiclayo, and admitted that he once chased a different kind of ball on the gridiron, when American football was his pastime.
As bishop of Chiclayo, he championed local soccer sides, and his affection for the Spanish giants Real Madrid became evident when he met the club’s president, Florentino Pérez, and declared, “The pope is for all teams, but Prevost is for Real Madrid.”
A Papal Perspective on the Beautiful Game
The event drew an estimated 80,000 faithful to the Bernabéu stadium, underscoring the deep connection between the Catholic Church and the world of football, a bond echoed by his predecessors — Pope Francis, Pope Benedict XVI and Pope John Paul II — who have all voiced support for the beautiful game. He also linked the sport’s emphasis on teamwork to broader themes of physical and mental well‑being, noting that the upcoming World Cup will open in Mexico City and culminate in New Jersey, while reminding believers that the spirit of collaboration transcends borders.