By Richard Pagliaro | @Tennis_Now | Thursday, May 8, 2025
Photo credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty
Tennis has profoundly influenced the Catholic Church’s highest leader.
Archbishop Emeritus Robert Francis Prevost has made history today by becoming the first Pope ever hailing from the United States in the Catholic Church’s 2,000-year timeline.
The newly designated Pontiff, now known as Pope Leo XIV, carries a passion for tennis as both a player and aficionado.
Pope Leo, whose father served as a US Navy veteran during World War II, earned a mathematics degree from Villanova University in 1977.
Fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Portuguese, the new Pope also shares a legacy as a loyal Chicago Cubs supporter.
Currently, he is rumored to be an enthusiastic follower of Carlos Alcaraz.
The new Pope is an Alcaraz fan! https://t.co/z8Aj71P7TX
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) May 8, 2025
Pope Leo XIV warmly addressed a packed St. Peter’s Square, delivering a heartfelt message of peace to people around the globe.
The 69-year-old Pope from Chicago previously dedicated many years to missionary work in South America and spoke to the enthusiastic crowd in both Italian and Spanish from the balcony.
He succeeds the beloved Pope Francis, an Argentine Jesuit known for his zeal for soccer.
A few years before his election, Robert Prevost expressed to La Nacion his admiration for tennis, sharing his desire to return to the court:
“This sport has always held a special place in my heart,” he remarked.
Due to his new responsibilities, Pope Leo, while cherishing his love for tennis, will likely find little time to play. He holds 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 throngs gathered in St. Peter’s Square for the Pope’s first appearance, tennis enthusiasts nearby tuned into the excitement unfolding on Rome’s famous clay courts, joining in the celebration as the Pope’s debut played over the stadium screens.
The new pope is not: Fabio Fognini https://t.co/Qsz7PKeX8L
— TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) May 8, 2025
Notably, top tennis personalities such as Roger Federer and Mirka, along with Juan Martin del Potro, have interacted with previous Popes. Del Potro even sought a blessing for his rosary, which he lost during international travels.
To dive deeper, check this gallery featuring prominent players’ visits to the Vatican.
It was twelve years ago this month when del Potro paid a visit to the Vatican to meet his fellow Argentine, Pope Francis.
As a token of appreciation, del Potro gifted Pope Francis his Wilson racquet, the very one he used to clinch a shocking victory over reigning champion Roger Federer at the 2009 US Open. This gesture brought a delighted smile to the Pontiff’s face.
“Meeting Pope Francis was an unforgettable experience,” recalled del Potro, who hails from Tandil, roughly 250 miles from the Pope’s hometown. “Blessing him and sharing words was a dream realized. A day I will always cherish.”
Del Potro met the Pope at a Vatican mass, alongside fellow Argentine players Carlos Berlocq and Horacio Zeballos, along with South Africa’s Kevin Anderson, Mexico’s Santiago Gonzalez, and Croatia’s Marin Cilic.
