In an intriguing turn of events, Pope Leo XIV—who happens to be the first American pope—has recently blessed a notable NFL player as we gear up for the 2025 regular season. Hailing from Chicago, it’s no surprise that Pope Leo XIV carries a fondness for the Windy City’s beloved sports teams, spanning across football, basketball, hockey, and baseball.
What stands out here is that the recipient of this papal blessing isn’t from his hometown Chicago Bears, but rather from one of their fiercest rivals—the Detroit Lions. Tight end Sam LaPorta has captured this special moment in a heartfelt Instagram post, sharing that he and his new wife, Callahan Dellinger LaPorta, received this unique blessing while in Rome.
LaPorta expressed his gratitude with a message that resonated beyond the usual social media fare: “Thank you to a very busy man for blessing me and my bride. A special moment we’ll never forget #catholic #popeleoxiv #catholicismrocks.” This simple yet profound acknowledgment speaks to the intertwining of faith and personal milestones, highlighting the significance of this occasion for the couple.
For fans of the Bears, however, this may not register as a welcome development. The Bears are gearing up to contend for supremacy in the NFC North alongside the Lions in 2025. Seeing their new American pope bless a player on the opposing team could spark a mixture of good-natured envy and rivalry among Chicago fans.
As the Bears embark on what they hope will be a resurgence to playoff contention, you can’t help but imagine some fans Playfully suggesting that a visit to The Vatican might be in order for their own blessing. With a nod to the fierce competition in the NFC North, it seems that spiritual favor is also part of the game, and it will be fascinating to see how this dynamic unfolds as the season approaches.
Whatever the outcome, this is a moment that bridges faith, community, and football—a reminder that even the most serious rivalries can have a human and, yes, even a holy touch. Here’s to the spirit of competition and all the narratives that make the NFL such a rich landscape for fans.
