Robert Prevost maintains a lifelong passion for athletics, spanning from playing tennis on the clay courts of Chiclayo to witnessing the Chicago White Sox break an 88-year World Series drought in October 2005.
- Franchise Valuations: Papal acknowledgments of historic franchises like the Chicago White Sox and Real Madrid reflect personal preferences noted in public appearances.
- Endorsement Alignment: Elite athletes engaging with the Vatican, such as tennis star Jannik Sinner, interact with the pontiff during audience meetings.
Born in Chicago on September 14, 1955, Robert Francis Prevost grew up immersed in American sports culture alongside his brothers Louis and John. El Comercio Perú reported that baseball formed a daily routine in his household, complemented by schoolyard football.
That lifelong allegiance culminated in October 2005 when he attended Game 1 of the World Series between the Chicago White Sox and the Houston Astros. Cameras captured him cheering as the White Sox secured a 5-3 victory, setting the stage for their eventual sweep to end an 88-year championship drought.
On June 25, 2026, former catcher A.J. Pierzynski presented the pontiff with the final out’s baseball from that opening game.
While baseball shaped his youth, tennis became his primary athletic outlet during a long tenure in Peru. El Comercio Perú said that he frequented the Santa Maria Reina school facilities and the Jockey Club in Chiclayo.
Describing himself as an amateur tennis player, Prevost kept his technique rooted in a traditional era. During a visit to Uruguay, journalist Juan Paullier asked if he used a one-handed or two-handed backhand, prompting an immediate reply.
“Regreso a una mano, soy de la escuela antigua.” said Robert Prevost, when compared by interviewers to tennis greats Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka.”
The Vatican connection to tennis continued in May 2025 when he received ATP number one Jannik Sinner just five days into his pontificate. Sinner presented the Pope with custom rackets, prompting lighthearted jokes about entering Wimbledon given the required all-white dress code.
| Sport | Key Affiliation / Moment | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Tennis | One-handed backhand aficionado; met Jannik Sinner | Chiclayo courts & Vatican City |
| Baseball | Attended 2005 World Series Game 1 | Chicago, Illinois |
| Football | Acknowledged personal preference for Real Madrid | In-flight press interaction |
Football has also offered lighter moments during international travel. When asked aboard an aircraft in June 2026 whether he favored Barcelona or Real Madrid, he offered a diplomatic yet candid distinction.
“El Papa es de todos los equipos… pero Prevost es del Real Madrid.” said Robert Prevost, responding to a query from journalist Pablo Giralt on June 6, 2026.”
El Comercio Perú reported that Sor Margarita Flores, a religious sister who worked alongside him in the country, suggested an affinity for Alianza Lima, while journalists in Chiclayo recall his warmth toward Juan Aurich.
Angie Pelosi, general manager of Pastelería Ítalo, prepared a traditional turrón de Doña Pepa following Josefa Marmanillo’s original recipe for presentation at the Vatican.
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