Key facts
- Pope Leo will support the U.S. soccer team in the World Cup.
- Pope Leo is from a Chicago suburb.
- Peru, whom he previously favored, did not qualify for the tournament.
- He expressed a preference for Real Madrid over Barcelona.
Pope Leo, the first American pontiff, revealed on his flight to Madrid that he will be supporting the U.S. soccer team in the upcoming World Cup. The tournament begins on Thursday. The Pope, who hails from a Chicago suburb, mentioned he would have previously rooted for Peru but they did not qualify this year. He also expressed a preference for the Spanish soccer club Real Madrid over Barcelona, though he stated the Pope supports all teams. Pope Leo is currently on a weeklong tour of Spain and the Canary Islands.