Pope Leo’s Soccer Split: Home Team Spirit Before Vatican Duties

Pope Leo, who spent most of his career outside the U. S. before leading the Catholic Church, just made his soccer loyalties clear. Back in 2025, he told reporters he’d always cheer for Peru over his American homeland in matches. With Peru out of this year’s World Cup, though, the stage is set for some unexpected U. S. support from the leader of over a billion Catholics worldwide. On a flight from Rome to Madrid last weekend, a journalist asked the pope point-blank about his World Cup plans. His answer was simple: he’d be backing Team USA, even if he wouldn’t get to watch many games. That’s a shift from his long-held preference, especially since he only recently moved from Chicago to the Vatican’s grand halls. Soccer fandom isn’t the only thing he’s reconsidering—when asked about Spain’s biggest club rivalry, Real Madrid vs. Barcelona, he quietly admitted his personal pick. “The pope supports everyone, ” he said, “but Robert Prevost plays for Real. ”The timing of his remarks isn’t random. The World Cup is co-hosted by the U. S. , Canada, and Mexico, giving the American team extra home-field attention. With Paraguay, Australia, and Turkey in their group, Group D suddenly feels like a stage for more than just soccer. Fans might wonder: is this just friendly banter, or does the Vatican’s blessing carry weight in sports? Leo’s soccer choices also reveal how global his life has become. After decades as a missionary in Peru, he’s now navigating the politics and passions of multiple continents. Even in the apostolic palace, some identities don’t fade. His flip-flop on national teams shows how place shapes loyalty—and how even the highest religious roles can’t silence old attachments.