New Pope Leo XIV used to be an amateur player

"I found myself playing tennis quite well," he said in 2023. "Since leaving Peru, I have little chance to hold the racket, so I am looking forward to returning to the field. Although honestly, the current job does not give me a lot of free time." Back to the tennis court. Even so, the felt ball village still warmly welcomed his coronation. On the central field, the image of Pope Leo XIV greeted the community for the first time was shown in the first round match, between Fabio Fognini and Jacob Fearnley. The whole stand applauded warmly when the notice was broadcast on the speaker.

Last week, all eyes towards Rome not only because the matches at the Masters 1000 event of ATP Tour, but also by the great event of the Catholic Church: select the successor of the late Pope Francis, who died on April 21.

after two days of voting at the Cardinal secret, the white smoke has risen from the Sistine Chapel, signaling the new Pope. Cardinal Robert Prevost, born in Chicago and spent most of his career in Peru, officially became the 267th Pope with XIV climbing brand. He was the first American to undertake this position. The shared old interviews show that the 69 -year -old pope loves tennis, besides baseball. He is known as the loyal fan of the Chicago Cube Club.

The late Pope Francis also loves tennis. In 2024, right after Jannik Sinner won the first Grand Slam title in Australia, the late Pope Francis sent congratulations to the Italian player.. In a speech at the Real Club De Tenis Barcelona Tennis Club, he once said: "Sports is not only a competition, but also connected. And for tennis, it is the voice of art ".