Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the global Catholic Church, was elected after a swift voting process in the Vatican, surprising many with his victory at odds of 66/1. Known as Father Bob, he has a rich background in sports, particularly enjoying tennis, baseball, and football, as shared by a long-time acquaintance from his religious order.

At 69 years old, the new pope is a Chicago native and a dedicated fan of the White Sox baseball team. He has also spent significant time as a missionary in Peru, where a photograph of him riding a horse was released by the Vatican. His passion for sports extends to being an avid tennis player, frequently playing weekly matches.

Additionally, Pope Leo XIV is a supporter of AS Roma, the prominent football club in Rome. The club publicly expressed its joy over his election and extended warm wishes for his papacy, marking a celebratory moment for both the city and the global Catholic community.