In a lighthearted yet surprising twist blending faith and football, Pope Leo XIV has found himself at the center of a minor sports controversy. The Chicago-native Pope, known for his allegiance to the Chicago Bears, recently offered a blessing to Detroit Lions star tight end Sam LaPorta during LaPorta’s honeymoon trip to the Vatican. The moment, captured and shared on social media by LaPorta, sparked a mix of humor, criticism, and reflection among football fans.
Sam LaPorta, fresh off a stellar rookie season with the Lions, visited St. Peter’s Basilica with his wife Callie following their June 14 wedding. During their visit, they were honored with a personal blessing from Pope Leo XIV. LaPorta expressed gratitude for the “special moment,” posting photos on Instagram that quickly went viral among NFL and Catholic circles.
While many saw the gesture as a touching and memorable religious experience, some Bears fans jokingly expressed dismay at their hometown Pope blessing a key player from a division rival. The Lions and Bears have shared a long-standing NFC North rivalry, making the blessing feel, to some diehard Chicago fans, like a symbolic betrayal. Social media erupted with comments like, “Does he know he’s blessing the enemy?” and “First a Bears fan, now blessing the Lions? What’s next?”
Adding to the amusement, Pope Leo XIV has a well-documented history with Chicago sports. Before becoming Pope, he was honored with a mural at Guaranteed Rate Field by the Chicago White Sox. He’s received a personalized Bears jersey and was even invited to throw the first pitch at a White Sox game. His deep ties to Chicago sports culture made the blessing of a Lions star all the more ironic for fans back home.
However, many others were quick to defend the Pope’s actions, pointing out that religious blessings should transcend team allegiances. Some Catholics and non-fans alike emphasized that faith is about unity, peace, and goodwill—not rivalry. Even Lions fans, who might typically take a jab at Chicago, responded with appreciation, saying the blessing was a meaningful experience for LaPorta and his family.
Ultimately, while the incident stirred playful banter among football fans, most recognized the blessing for what it was: a kind gesture from the head of the Catholic Church. For Sam LaPorta, the experience will likely remain one of the most unforgettable off-field moments of his career—regardless of the Bears-Lions rivalry.
