Pope Leo XIV shared a light-hearted moment with journalists on Friday when he jokingly revealed his football preference during a flight to Spain, saying he supports Real Madrid despite being the Pope for all football fans.
The remark came during an informal conversation with more than 80 journalists travelling with the Pontiff on his Apostolic Journey to Spain, a week-long visit that includes stops in Madrid, Barcelona and the Canary Islands.
During the exchange, one journalist asked the Pope whether he preferred Real Madrid or Barcelona, the two biggest clubs in Spanish football. The question drew smiles from those on board, and the Pontiff responded with a humorous answer that quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the trip.
“That’s easy,” Pope Leo XIV said with a smile. “The Pope is for all teams, but Robert Prevost is for Real Madrid.”
The comment sparked laughter among the journalists and highlighted the Pope’s relaxed and personable side as he began his official visit to Spain.
While the football question provided a lighter moment, the Pope also addressed several serious issues during the discussion. He reiterated his calls for peace and dialogue in regions affected by conflict, particularly mentioning the ongoing situation in Ukraine. He stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts and international cooperation in resolving global crises.
The Pontiff also expressed concern about instability in Lebanon and reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s support for communities affected by violence and humanitarian challenges.
In addition, Pope Leo XIV spoke about the Church’s continuing efforts to address abuse cases, emphasizing the need for accountability, support for victims, and ongoing reforms aimed at fostering healing and trust.
The visit to Spain marks an important stage in the Pope’s international engagements since assuming leadership of the Catholic Church. During his stay, he is expected to meet Church leaders, government officials, community representatives and thousands of faithful across different regions of the country.
Although discussions on faith, peace and social issues remain at the centre of the visit, it was his playful declaration of support for Real Madrid that briefly captured the attention of football fans around the world.
For now, Pope Leo XIV may represent Catholics everywhere, but by his own admission, Robert Prevost’s football heart belongs to Real Madrid.
Galaxy Sports Production
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