From pulpit to pitch: Pope Francis used sport to get his message to a wider world − that could continue with baseball-loving Leo XIV

In January 2021, Pope Francis described the world of sports as “a constellation of many stars” in an interview with the Italian sports newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport. On April 21, 2025, the sports world lost one of its prominent advocates in Francis. Despite starting as a street athlete in his youth, he remained a lifelong sports enthusiast, particularly passionate about soccer. Francis believed that sports served as a means to connect with people from all walks of life around the globe.

Following Francis’ passing, Leo XIV succeeded him as Pope, potentially continuing the Vatican’s sporting theme, with a shift from soccer to baseball to align with Leo’s interest in the Chicago White Sox. Before his papacy, Francis had a strong bond with Buenos Aires’ San Lorenzo de Almagro sports club, which he considered a part of his cultural identity. His connection with the club remained strong throughout his life, as seen in the viral photo of his membership card coinciding with his age and the time of his passing.

Francis’ relationship with San Lorenzo de Almagro was reciprocated, with the team honoring him in various ways, including emblazoning his image on their jerseys. The sports world paid tribute to Francis following his death, with moments of silence held at various sporting events worldwide. Recognized for his advocacy of inclusivity and unity through sports, Francis believed in the power of sports to foster dialogue and acceptance across diverse backgrounds.

With Leo XIV succeeding Francis as Pope, the link between the papacy and the sporting world is expected to continue. Leo, a fan of tennis and baseball, has been embraced by the sports community, with baseball franchises in Chicago acknowledging his support for the White Sox. As the sports world mourns the loss of Francis and welcomes Leo, the legacy of the papacy’s engagement with sports endures.