Pope León XIV says Robert Prevost is a devoted Real Madrid fan

Pope León XIV disclosed on his flight to Spain that the newly elected Pope Robert Francis Prevost is a Real Madrid fan, and the club sent a congratulatory note. The pontiff, who has made nearly 50 trips to Spain as prior of the Augustinians, used the moment to joke about football.

After Prevost’s May 2025 election, Real Madrid issued an official statement wishing him a long reign and peace. In his remarks, the Pope emphasized football’s unifying power, saying he supports all clubs.

Real Madrid supporters celebrated the news across social media.