Pope Leo XIV reveals his favorite sport
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 13.05.25. | 12:57
This revelation connects him to a growing tradition of sporty Popes, following in the footsteps of Pope Francis, a die-hard football fan and lifelong supporter of Argentina’s San Lorenzo
The world held its breath on Thursday, 8 May at 6:07 pm when white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel.
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It symbolised that the cardinals had chosen a new leader: Cardinal Robert Prevost, who would now serve as Pope Leo XIV.
At 69 years old, the American with French and Spanish roots made history as the first pope born in the United States and only the second from the Americas, after Pope Francis.
But beyond his religious profile and his strong ties to Latin America, especially Peru, the new Pope surprised many with one unusual fact: his love for tennis.
In a past interview, Pope Leo XIV openly shared his fondness for tennis.
“I consider myself a great tennis fan. Since I left Peru, I’ve had few opportunities to practice, so I’m looking forward to getting back on the courts,” Pope Leo said in a past interview.
This revelation connects him to a growing tradition of sporty Popes, following in the footsteps of Pope Francis, a die-hard football fan and lifelong supporter of Argentina’s San Lorenzo, and Pope John Paul II, who once played as a goalkeeper during his youth in Poland.
Pope Leo XIV served for many years in Peru as Archbishop Emeritus of Chiclayo, and it is there that his love for tennis flourished.
While his papal duties will undoubtedly keep him busy, the hope of returning to the sport offers a humanising glimpse into his personality and daily life.
The announcement of his election even intersected with the sport itself.
During a match at the Italian Open, which is one of the sport's most prestigious tournaments in Italy, organisers broke the news live to fans.
"There is big news in Italy today, there’s a new Pope,” commentators said.
Robert Prevost's name and image appeared on the stadium’s big screen, linking the Vatican’s news cycle with the pulse of the tennis world.
Now, questions abound: Who is Pope Leo XIV’s favourite tennis player? Might he attend a match someday? However, one thing is that tennis has a powerful new fan at the highest level of the Catholic Church.