Pope Leo XIV may be the first U.S.-born leader of the Catholic Church, but his latest gesture has fumbled with Chicago Bears fans. The new pontiff, formerly Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago, is under fire after blessing the wedding of Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta at the Vatican.
LaPorta and his new bride Callie were seen receiving the pope’s blessing last month, and the moment quickly made headlines. But the ceremony also stirred backlash in the Windy City, where fans of the Chicago Bears feel betrayed by their hometown holy figure.
“Why would he bless a division rival?” one outraged fan posted online. Others questioned whether Leo XIV should still be considered a true Chicagoan after honoring a player from a team that has dominated the Bears in recent seasons.
Bears fans cry foul over rival recognition
Tensions boiled over after the Vatican posted official images of Pope Leo XIV meeting the couple and offering prayers for their marriage. While LaPorta called the blessing a moment he would never forget, back in Illinois, some fans were less than thrilled.
Several Chicago sports forums lit up with angry comments. One user sarcastically asked if the pope had forgotten where he came from. Another said the act felt like betrayal, especially considering the intense NFC North rivalry between the Bears and Lions.
Chicago has a proud football tradition. Though the Bears historically held the upper hand with a 105-80-5 record over Detroit, recent seasons have shifted momentum. The Lions have won five of the last six matchups. Meanwhile, the Bears finished at the bottom of their division last year, adding to fan frustrations.
Papal loyalty questioned despite previous Bears gesture
Back in May, Vice President J.D. Vance gifted the pope a customized Chicago Bears jersey during a private audience. That moment was celebrated by fans who took it as a sign of allegiance. But now, some feel the blessing of a division rival sends a very different message.
One source close to the Vatican said the pope’s gesture was purely spiritual and not rooted in NFL loyalties. However, fans in Chicago aren’t convinced. They argue that in a city where sports pride runs deep, moments like this matter.
Even though Pope Leo XIV has no official ties to NFL teams, his Chicago upbringing and previously expressed support for the Bears created expectations. To some, blessing LaPorta’s wedding was like high-fiving the enemy during a playoff game.
As the football season approaches, Chicago fans are wondering where the pope’s true loyalty lies—and whether he’ll be spotted next in Lions blue.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.