
The Catholic Church’s Enduring Bond with the World Cup
The World Cup’s history is intertwined with Catholic vision, from Jules Rimet’s faith‑driven inception to the recent papal messages that celebrate teamwork and social justice.
Jun 18, 2026
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Pope Benedict XVI across Soccer.

The World Cup’s history is intertwined with Catholic vision, from Jules Rimet’s faith‑driven inception to the recent papal messages that celebrate teamwork and social justice.

In a recent address, Pope Leo XIV highlighted soccer’s power to unite, shared memories of playing defense in Peru and American football in his youth, and expressed his support for Real Madrid, while reflecting on the World Cup’s global reach.