Football Giants Celebrate the Election of Pope Leo XIV

The football world has embraced the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff in history, with widespread celebration across Catholic communities worldwide.

From the grand halls of St. Peter’s Basilica to the vibrant streets of Chicago, and even in Chiclayo, Peru—where Pope Leo XIV is hailed as a local spiritual leader—his appointment has stirred joy and pride.

In Peru, his years of service have made the pontiff feel like one of their own, prompting an outpouring of affection. “We are so proud of him,” said many Peruvian Catholics, who regard him as a symbol of unity and faith.

The reverberations of his election reached far beyond the Church, even drawing warm congratulations from the world of football. Legendary club Real Madrid was among the first to express their admiration, sending a heartfelt message on social media: “Real Madrid C.F., its president, and its Board of Directors wish Pope Leo XIV a bright future leading the Catholic Church and the Christian community, confident that his papacy will help deepen peace, solidarity, fraternity, and justice in the world.”

FC Barcelona also joined in, offering their congratulations on X (formerly Twitter), wishing the new pontiff “a papacy full of peace and understanding in the world.”

Pope Leo XIV’s connection to football is well-known. As Cardinal, he showed a deep appreciation for the sport, even receiving a Manchester United shirt from Argentine defender Lisandro Martínez, along with a personal message.

He also met the Croatian national team, commending their teamwork and dedication—a testament to the unifying power of football across cultures.

The enthusiastic response from the global football community underscores the universal reach of the sport and its capacity to bring people together.

As Pope Leo XIV begins his papacy, the continued support from the football world is sure to play a key role in fostering peace and dialogue, both within the Church and beyond.