Historic Moment: American Pope Leo XIV Revealed as Passionate Amateur Tennis Player
Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago, was elected as the new pope following the passing of Pope Francis. A long-time tennis fan and amateur player, his historic appointment was announced at the Foro Italico, where tennis fans greeted the news with loud applause during the Internazionali BNL d’Italia.
Historic Moment: American Pope Leo XIV Revealed as Passionate Amateur Tennis Player
**Rome—**The Vatican has a new pope, and the tennis world is unexpectedly celebrating alongside the faithful.
On Thursday, Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago was elected as the 267th pope and has taken the name Leo XIV. His election marks a major milestone as he becomes the first American to ever ascend to the papacy. The momentous announcement was made during the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, held at Rome’s iconic Foro Italico.
In a striking moment of convergence between sport and religion, the news was broadcast on giant screens around the tennis venue. During a changeover in the first-round match between Fabio Fognini and Jacob Fearnley, spectators on Campo Centrale watched Pope Leo XIV’s first appearance at St. Peter’s Basilica live. When the stadium announcer delivered the news over the PA system, the crowd responded with enthusiastic applause.
It turns out, the new pope is no stranger to the game.
In a resurfaced 2023 interview, Pope Leo XIV—then Cardinal Prevost—shared his fondness for tennis:
“I consider myself quite the amateur tennis player. Since leaving Peru I have had few occasions to practice, 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.”
Born in Chicago, Leo XIV spent much of his clerical career in Peru before returning to serve in the Vatican. In addition to his passion for tennis, he is also a lifelong fan of the Chicago Cubs.
Pope Leo XIV follows in the footsteps of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who also embraced sports as a means of connection and expression. Pope Francis once congratulated Italian star Jannik Sinner after his maiden Grand Slam win at the 2024 Australian Open and praised tennis as a form of “dialogue that often becomes artistic.”
Though his new role as leader of the global Catholic Church will likely limit his time on the court, the tennis community has warmly welcomed his arrival. In a city where both spiritual and sporting passions run deep, this historic papal transition unfolded in the most fitting of settings.