Pope Leo cracks jokes about allegiance for Villanova vs. Notre Dame game - USA Today

Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope, welcomed several college basketball teams from the United States that will play exhibition games in Rome. During his address, he playfully remarked that while his papal duties require neutrality, his past allegiances as a Villanova alum might have swayed his support differently.

Pope Leo XIV greeted 7,000 players, guests and supporters at Paul VI audience hall at the Vatican ahead of the exhibition games. The gathering included both men’s and women’s teams from Villanova University, his alma mater, where he graduated in 1977, and the University of Notre Dame.

Notre Dame also holds a special connection for the Pope, who grew up less than two hours away from its campus on Chicago’s south side.

"Growing up on the south side ​of Chicago, ​we oftentimes heard, 'Go Irish.' But ​as you all know, Prevost ‌graduated from Villanova," Pope Leo XIV said.

Before his election to the papacy, Pope Leo XIV was known as Robert Prevost. Now, as the leader of the Catholic Church, he emphasizes his commitment to neutrality, jokingly connecting it when it comes to collegiate rivalries.

“So the Pope doesn’t take sides. Prevost has another opinion, but we won’t do that now,” Pope Leo XIV quipped, eliciting cheers and laughter from the audience.

He also emphasized that, while competitors on the basketball court, the teams “are certainly not enemies.”

The two Catholic universities, Villanova and Notre Dame, will face off as part of the Eternal City Tip-Off doubleheader on Sunday, November 1. The men’s teams are scheduled to play at 9:30 a.m. ET, followed by the women’s teams at noon ET.

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