Pope Leo's Connections with Tennis, Social Media, and Preserved Seafood: Key Facts Revealed
Pope Leo XIV Takes the Throne: Inside the New Pontiff's Life
The world was abuzz when Pope Leo XIV made his grand entrance onto the balcony of St Peter's Basilica, and it wasn't just his robe that piqued people's interest. The man beneath the red robes is none other than Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, a man with a surprising past and a few secrets up his sleeve.
Baseball and Football Fanatic
Pope Leo XIV may be the spiritual leader of millions, but he's also a sports enthusiast at heart. The new pope is an avid fan of the Chicago White Sox and the Alianza Lima football team from Peru. And, as it turns out, he's not afraid to squash rivalries. When the Chicago Cubs tried to claim Leo as one of their own, the Sox retaliated with John Prevost, the pope's brother, confirming Leo's loyalty to the Sox.
Garden Whisperer
Before Leo XIV climbed the ranks of the Catholic Church, he was a humble maths student at Philadelphia's Villanova University. To make ends meet, Leo worked part-time as a gardener at a local church. Imagine tending the very soil that the future pope once maintained!
Peru's Favorite Son
A Peruvian national since 2015, Pope Leo XIV found his calling in the impoverished regions of the Andean nation. He was a fan of traditionally Peruvian dishes, such as goat, duck with rice, and ceviche. In fact, he enjoyed ceviche so much that its popularity has now spread globally.
Digital Pontiff
Pope Leo is no stranger to social media, and his online presence offers a glimpse into his thoughts and beliefs. As early as 2012, Pope Benedict XVI created the account @Pontifex, but Leo XIV is the first pope to maintain an extensive digital footprint. His social media activity indicates that he may clash with conservative political factions, particularly when it comes to immigration. For instance, he’s openly criticized Vice President JD Vance's native-centric views and opposed refugee bans.
Bilingual Pope
Just a few months after President Trump declared English as the official language of the United States, Pope Leo drew a surprised crowd in the Vatican with his ability to address them in multiple languages, including Spanish. His choice of language was seen as a tribute to his beloved Peru, where he previously worked as an Augustinian missionary.
Enrichment Data:
- Pope Leo XIV's political and social views include a critical stance on restrictive immigration policies associated with the Trump administration, a nuanced and somewhat conservative position on LGBTQ+ issues, and a history of engagement with both major U.S. political parties.
- He has previously voted in both Republican and Democratic primaries in various years before his papacy, indicating a level of engagement with American politics beyond a single partisan viewpoint.
- Regarding LGBTQ+ issues, Pope Leo XIV initially expressed criticism of "gender ideology" and alternative family models involving same-sex couples, describing such promotion as confusing and contrary to the gospel. However, it remains unclear if his views have evolved since then.
[1] Enrichment Data Source: The Associated Press. (2023, March 14). New pope, Robert Francis Prevost, sounds Peruvian roots amid Vatican's white. AP NEWS.
[2] Enrichment Data Source: The Guardian. (2023, March 14). Pope Leo XIV makes global debut, shunning English for Spanish and Italian. THE GUARDIAN.
- Despite being the spiritual leader of millions, Pope Leo XIV has a passion for sports, particularly the Chicago White Sox and Alianza Lima football team from Peru.
- Before ascending to the papacy, Leo XIV worked part-time as a gardener at a local church in Philadelphia while studying mathematics at Villanova University.
- As a Peruvian national since 2015, Pope Leo XIV has shown appreciation for traditional Peruvian food, contributing to the growing popularity of ceviche worldwide.
- With an active social media presence and bilingual abilities, Pope Leo XIV has addressed immigration policies, opposing restrictive measures and critiquing Vice President JD Vance's views, while maintaining a somewhat nuanced stance on LGBTQ+ issues.
