“From Cardinals to Quarterbacks: Could the Next Pope Be an NFL Fan?”
As the world waits for white smoke to rise above the Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of a new pope, many are speculating not only about who will lead the Catholic Church next, but also about what kind of leader he might be. The selection process—known as the conclave—requires a two-thirds majority vote among 133 cardinals. So far, no decision has been reached, and the black smoke that billowed out on Thursday morning marked yet another inconclusive round of voting. The eyes of the 1.4 billion-member Church remain fixed on Vatican City, waiting for the next spiritual shepherd.
Interestingly, while the conclave is rooted in centuries-old tradition, the modern world still manages to seep in—sometimes in unexpected ways. Sports, particularly American football, has become a global cultural force, and its influence even touches the cloisters of Rome. The NFL has gained a significant following overseas, with games being broadcast internationally and players becoming household names in countries far beyond the United States. It’s not unthinkable that among the voting cardinals, or perhaps the next pope himself, there could be a quiet admirer of the NFL.
One candidate rumored to be among the favorites is Cardinal Sean O’Malley of Boston, a city with deep NFL roots thanks to the New England Patriots. While there’s no formal confirmation of O’Malley being a die-hard fan, his long-standing connection to a region passionate about football suggests he may at least be familiar with the game’s cultural significance. Were he to be elected, it could create a fascinating intersection between sports and spirituality—offering an opportunity to use sport as a vehicle for unity, moral teaching, and youth engagement.
This potential connection matters more than it might seem. The NFL has become more than just a game; it’s a massive platform for messaging, outreach, and global influence. A pope who understands or appreciates that could forge new ways to connect the Church to younger generations. Imagine papal charity campaigns broadcast during the Super Bowl, or youth programs that tie together community service and sportsmanship—two values dear to both football and the Church. The crossover could energize faith communities in innovative and inclusive ways.
Ultimately, whether the next pope is a fan of football or not, the mere possibility reflects how deeply interconnected our world has become. The convergence of Vatican traditions and modern popular culture—including the NFL—shows that faith continues to adapt and find relevance in new arenas. As Catholics wait for the white smoke, they might also wonder if their next pope knows who just won the Super Bowl. And if he does, maybe that’s not such a bad thing.
