Is the Pope a Real Madrid fan? Leo's admission upsets Barcelona faithful
Pontiff appeals in Catalan for harmony on Barcelona leg of Spain tour after making football foes in city
TL;DR
- Pope Leo XIV began his Barcelona visit by speaking in Catalan and urging harmony.
- He confessed to journalists that he supports Real Madrid, separating his papal duties from personal preferences.
- Real Madrid quickly publicized the Pope's endorsement on social media.
- The Pope visited Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabéu stadium, inspected their trophies, and received a personalized shirt.
- He also briefly met Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny at the stadium.
- The Pope joked that many young Catholics might choose to see Bad Bunny over him.
- Sports commentators and Barcelona fans expressed disappointment with the Pope's declaration, viewing Real Madrid as a symbol of central authority.
- A Barcelona fan suggested the Pope's support for Real Madrid might be linked to their white kits.