🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Pope Leo XIV jokes about Real Madrid support during flight to Spain
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Pope Leo XIV shared a lighthearted moment with journalists aboard his flight to Spain, humorously revealing his personal football preference. When asked if he supported Real Madrid or Barcelona, the Pope, smiling, stated, "That's easy: the Pope is for all teams, but Robert Prevost is for Real Madrid!" This comment, reported by Vatican News, elicited laughter from the more than 80 journalists accompanying him on his Apostolic Journey to Madrid, the first stop of a week-long visit to Spain. During the same informal interaction, Pope Leo XIV also addressed global issues, reiterating his call for dialogue in conflict situations, expressing concern over international crises, and emphasizing the need for peace efforts, particularly in Ukraine and Lebanon. He reaffirmed the Church’s closeness to those affected by conflict and instability. Additionally, the Pope spoke on the issue of abuse within the Church, highlighting the importance of continued attention to victims and ongoing efforts toward accountability and healing. Pope Leo XIV's visit to Spain is scheduled to include meetings with ecclesial communities, civil authorities, and the faithful in Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands.
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