Pope Leo XIV: New Pontiff Appears to Confirm His Favourite Serie A Club
- Pope Leo XIV is settling into his new role as pontiff after being elected Pope Francis' successor on May 8
- The pope was heard confirming the club he supports during his first Sunday address at the Vatican
- He has also previously confirmed that he is an amateur tennis player and joked about getting back into the sport
Just under a week has passed since Pope Leo XIV was elected as the new head of the Catholic Church, with more details about him continuing to emerge.
Source: Getty Images
He became the first American pope in history when the College of Cardinals elected him on the second day of the conclave.
When will Pope Leo XIV be inaugurated?
He will be formally inaugurated during a Mass at St. Peter's Square next Saturday, May 18
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"I would also like to address the powerful people of the world, repeating the always current call: 'no more war. The immense tragedy of the Second World War ended 80 years ago. Now we're facing the tragedy of a third world war in pieces," he said in his first Sunday address via Vatican News.
Pope Leo XIV's love for sports
The 69-year-old is a known tennis lover and has in the past indicated his desire to get back to practising.
"I consider myself quite the amateur tennis player. Since leaving Peru, I have had few occasions to practise, so I am looking forward to getting back on the court [laughs]. Not that this new job has left me much free time for it so far."
Which football clubs does Pope Leo XIV support?
It has since emerged that the new pope is also a fan of Serie A club AS Roma.
In a video circulating online, he is heard shouting 'Forza Roma' as he acknowledges greetings from the crowd.
He is a fervent Giallorossi supporter and, in fact, attended their game in 2019 when they beat Sassuolo 4-2.
"He's a regular tennis player. He would come up and play on our grounds once a week at least," Father Joseph Farrell, Vicar General of the Augustinians, told Reuters.
"He's Roma all the way."
How did AS Roma welcome Pope Leo XIV?
"AS Roma shares in the joy of the city and the entire world for the election of Pope Leo XIV, and extends its warmest wishes for his pontificate," read a post on X.
AS Roma and Lazio shared a deep-rooted Derby della Capitale rivalry.
"With great happiness and genuine emotion, Lazio celebrates the election of His Holiness Leo XIV as the next pope and his elevation to the throne of Peter. Lazio reaffirms its dedication to upholding the moral and social principles of which the Holy Father is the world's protector and interpreter, reaffirming the connection between religion, culture, and athletics," said Lazio after Pope's election.
AS Roma's performance this season
Roma were on a 19-match unbeaten run under Claudio Ranieri before they lost to Atalanta on May 12.
They are chasing Champions League qualification for next season, but the defeat in Bergamo leaves them one point shy of fourth with only two games to go. Juventus are fourth on 64 points same as Lazio, but the Old Lady are ahead on goal difference.
“I don't know. After tonight, I don't know, but we'll keep playing as we always have and fight till the very end,” said Ranieri when asked about the Champions League.
"Strength and intensity – we know that Atalanta are masters in that department. That's how they won the Europa League, so full credit to them. We put some good moves together. Atalanta took advantage of theirs and we didn't. Credit to Atalanta but credit to my players too."
They play AC Milan and Torino in their last games of the season.
Source: Getty Images
Football teams Pope Francis supported
In a related report, Pope Leo XIV's predecessor was a passionate fan of football who supported San Lorenzo, a club in his native Argentina.
He frequently met with football teams and personalities, emphasising the importance of teamwork and fair play.
He met leading figures like Argentina stars Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, and former Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
