Is the pope a Real Madrid fan? Leo’s admission upsets Barcelona faithful

Is the Pope a Real Madrid Fan? Leo's Admission Sparks Controversy in Catalonia

Is the pope a Real Madrid - During his week-long trip to Spain, Pope Leo XIV made an unexpected move by addressing fans in Catalan during his visit to Barcelona. The pontiff, known for his efforts to bridge cultural divides, spoke to a gathering in the city's cathedral on Tuesday, urging supporters to “build harmony and communion beyond all polarisation.” His message, though universally welcomed, seemed to miss the mark for many Catalans, who saw the gesture as a subtle nod to the growing tensions between the region and the central Spanish government. The visit coincided with a heated rivalry that has long defined football in the country, and the pope’s participation in the event raised eyebrows among Barcelona fans.

A Mixed Message on the Pitch

Three days prior to his Catalan speech, Leo’s support for Real Madrid was inadvertently exposed during a casual conversation with journalists on the flight to Spain. When asked about his allegiance between the two clubs, he deftly shifted the focus, claiming that while the pope endorsed all teams, “Robert Prevost is for Real Madrid!” The statement, meant to downplay personal bias, backfired as it highlighted the individual’s connection to the club. Real Madrid, unsurprisingly, seized the moment to amplify the message, swiftly sharing the clip on social media with the headline: “The Pope Is a Real Madrid Fan!”

The irony of the situation was not lost on many. Leo’s visit to Real Madrid’s iconic Santiago Bernabéu stadium on Monday further fueled speculation. Before delivering a speech to thousands of fans, he toured the club’s trophy room and accepted a shirt bearing the name “Robert F Prevost” from president Florentino Pérez. The gesture, though diplomatic, carried weight in a region where football is more than a sport—it’s a symbol of identity and pride. For Catalan supporters, the pope’s presence at the Bernabéu felt like an endorsement of the central state’s dominance, especially since Real Madrid is often associated with Spanish nationalism due to its iconic white kits and historical ties to Madrid’s cultural influence.

The Pope’s Encounter with Bad Bunny

Meanwhile, a less contentious event unfolded on Tuesday when the pope met Puerto Rican pop icon Bad Bunny at the Bernabéu. The encounter, which included a brief greeting with the artist and his family, was described by Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni as a “neutral” moment. “Yes… I confirm it,” Bruni said, explaining that Bad Bunny was present with his entourage and that the pope interacted with them before departing the stadium. The meeting, however, was not without its own cultural undertones. During the same Q&A session, Leo quipped about the dilemma young Catholics might face: “When confronted with the question ‘Do I go see Bad Bunny or do I go to see the pope?’ I think many will go to see Bad Bunny.” The humor masked the deeper implications of his support for Real Madrid.

For many, the pope’s alignment with Real Madrid was more than a casual remark. In regions like Catalonia, where Spanish is the official language but Catalan is widely spoken, Real Madrid is often viewed as a symbol of national unity. Barcelona, conversely, represents regional autonomy and a distinct cultural identity. This dichotomy has made the rivalry more than a sporting affair—it’s a reflection of broader political and social divides. Leo’s public endorsement, therefore, was perceived as an act that prioritized national sentiment over regional pride, sparking backlash from fans of the Catalan club.

Reactions from the Barcelona Community

Barcelona fans, already wary of the pope’s choice, voiced their discontent during the visit. Tomás Roncero, a well-known sports commentator for Spain’s leading sports daily *AS*, remarked in a video: “The pope can’t be for Barça because it is a sinful club… in his heart he is of a pure and clean club like Madrid.” The phrase “sinful club” was a sharp critique, suggesting that Barcelona’s identity is more associated with rebellion or regionalism than with the traditional values the Vatican often promotes. Others echoed similar sentiments, arguing that the pope’s favoritism was emblematic of a larger trend of Madrid-centric influence in Spanish culture.

“A figure as important as he is shouldn’t take sides,” said Eduard Modroño, an office worker and ardent Barça supporter, as he spoke outside the Sagrada Familia basilica. The pope was set to inaugurate the basilica’s towering Jesus Christ sculpture on Wednesday evening, a symbol of both religious and cultural significance. Modroño’s comment hinted at a possible connection between Leo’s support for Real Madrid and the Vatican’s broader role in Spanish politics. “He wears all white, doesn’t he? Enough said,” he added, implying that the pope’s choice was almost preordained.

The controversy surrounding Leo’s allegiance has sparked a debate about the role of religious figures in national and regional identity. While some argue that the pope’s support for Real Madrid is a simple expression of personal preference, others see it as a calculated move to align with the central government’s values. The Vatican, however, has maintained that the statement was meant to highlight the unity of the Church and the broader Spanish community, rather than to pick a side in the football rivalry.

A Nation Divided by the Ball

The Real Madrid vs Barcelona rivalry is more than a clash of teams—it’s a microcosm of Spain’s political and cultural landscape. Real Madrid, with its global appeal and historical ties to Madrid, often embodies the ideals of a centralized Spain, while Barcelona is seen as a beacon of regional identity and independence. Pope Leo XIV’s endorsement, while not explicitly political, has been interpreted through this lens, with some fans accusing him of favoring the central state’s narrative. Others, however, see it as a sign of the pope’s ability to connect with the Spanish people, regardless of their footballing preferences.

As the visit continues, the debate over Leo’s stance is expected to intensify. The pope’s decision to visit the Bernabéu and his interaction with Bad Bunny have already provided material for both supporters and critics. For now, the comments from Tomás Roncero and Eduard Modroño underscore the emotional weight of the rivalry, where even the smallest gestures can carry significant symbolic meaning. The question remains: will Leo’s support for Real Madrid unite or divide the faithful, both on and off the pitch?

The Associated Press contributed to this report.