By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Thursday, May 8, 2025
Photo credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty
Tennis has actually made a substantial influence on the spiritual life of the Catholic Church’s leader.
Archbishop Emeritus Robert Francis Prevost has actually made history today, ending up being the very first Pope from the United States in the amazing 2,000-year history of the Catholic Church.
The freshly minted Pontiff, who has actually embraced the name Pope Leo XIV, is not simply a spiritual leader; he likewise has a deep enthusiasm for tennis, both as a gamer and a passionate fan.
Pope Leo, whose dad served in the United States Navy throughout World War II, finished his education at Villanova University, making a degree in mathematics in 1977.
Fluent in several languages consisting of English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, the brand-new Pope has roots as a long-lasting Chicago Cubs fan. His fans think that his commitment to the Cubs has actually instilled in him a unique viewpoint on sports-related suffering, particularly as the Cubs start the season with appealing efficiency.
In modern times, Pope Leo has actually revealed adoration for the increasing tennis star Carlos Alcaraz.
The brand-new Pope is an Alcaraz fan! https://t.co/z8Aj71P7TX
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) May 8, 2025
Pope Leo XIV warmly welcomed a passionate crowd that filled every corner of St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, using want peace to people worldwide.
The 69-year-old Pontiff, initially from Chicago, committed a significant part of his profession as a missionary in South America. As he based on the terrace, he attended to the crowd in both Italian and Spanish, showcasing his linguistic efficiency and connection with the varied audience.
Pope Leo XIV follows in the steps of the late Pope Francis, an Argentine Jesuit renowned for his deep love of soccer.
Prior to his choice by the 133 ballot cardinals in the conclave, the then archbishop emeritus Robert Prevost of Chiclayo in Peru divulged to La Nacion that he was “a great tennis fan,” excitedly preparing for the chance to go back to the tennis courts.
“I consider myself a great tennis fan,” Robert Francis Prevost specified to La Nacion. “Since leaving Peru, I haven’t had many chances to play, so I’m excited to get back on the courts.”
In his brand-new capability as the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo, who has actually revealed adoration for his predecessor Pope Francis and dedicated to continuing his efforts to take care of those in requirement, will likely discover his time for tennis restricted. Remarkably, the brand-new Pope holds double citizenship in both the United States and Peru.
Que al nuevo Papa, Prevost… ¡le gusta el tenis!“Me considero un tenista amateur. Desde que me fui de Perú he tenido un par de ocasiones de jugar. Estoy deseando volver a la pista”
Se banca desde ahora mismo pic.twitter.com/kz49jaSyG6
— José Morón (@jmgmoron) May 8, 2025
As thousands collected in St. Peter’s Square to witness the brand-new Pope’s address, lots of tennis lovers were just a few miles away, absorbed in the continuous matches on Rome’s popular red clay, and commemorated the Pope’s inaugural look as it was transmitted on the arena’s video screens.
The brand-new pope is not: Fabio Fognini https://t.co/Qsz7PKeX8L
— TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) May 8, 2025
Notably, a number of popular tennis stars—consisting of Roger Federer, his spouse Mirka, and Juan Martin del Potro—have actually formerly had the honor of conference past Popes. Del Potro, who mislaid his rosary throughout among his worldwide journeys, looked for the Pope’s true blessing for it.
Explore this gallery showcasing a few of the most unforgettable encounters in between tennis celebs and the Vatican.
Embed from Getty Images
Twelve years ago this month, del Potro checked out the Vatican to fulfill his fellow Argentinean, Pope Francis.
As a token of gratitude, del Potro provided Pope Francis with his Wilson racquet, the extremely one he utilized to victory over ruling champ Roger Federer throughout the 2009 United States Open. This gesture brought tremendous happiness to the Pontiff.
“It was an incredible experience with Pope Francis, something that I will cherish forever,” reflected del Potro, who hails from Tandil, located approximately 250 miles from Pope Francis’ hometown of Buenos Aires. “Meeting him was a dream fulfilled for someone like me. It was truly an unforgettable moment.
“I felt rather anxious before the conference, preparing for the possibility to praise him and talk. He was extremely kind. Everyone understands he has an impressive humbleness. That day will be engraved in my memory forever.”
Del Potro had the chance to fulfill the Pope throughout Mass at the Vatican. Other participants consisted of fellow Argentines Carlos Berlocq and Horacio Zeballos, South Africa’s Kevin Anderson, Mexico’s Santiago Gonzalez, and Croatia’s Marin Cilic.
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