The Knicks are 2-0 in the Eastern Conference Semis, and somehow, theVatican is part of the conversation.
Thursday’s announcement from Rome was already historic: Robert Prevost, a Chicago native, was elected pope in the 2025 conclave, becoming the first American to hold the position. He’ll be known as Pope Leo XIV. But the news didn’t just send shockwaves through religious circles – it hit NBA Twitter just as hard.
Why? Turns out Leo XIV is a Villanova grad. Back in 1977, he wrapped up a degree in mathematics from the Philadelphia-area school – the same program that produced Knicks stars Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges.
Suddenly, it all clicked for fans watching the Knicks steamroll the Celtics.
Call it divine providence or just really good basketball
As soon as the pope’s alma mater hit the news cycle, the internet lit up. “The Celtics are cooked. The Knicks have God on their side,” one fan posted. Another chimed in: “The new pope went to Villanova and I’m supposed to believe the Celtics were gonna beat the nova Knicks?”
The timing is undeniably funny. Brunson has been electric this postseason, averaging over 30 points a game and leading the Villanova core that’s been wreaking havoc in the playoffs. It’s not hard to imagine why fans are leaning into the coincidence.
Even The Athletic’s Nicole Auerbach weighed in: “The new pope went to Villanova! This totally explains what’s happening with the Knicks.”
To be clear, Pope Leo XIV hasn’t said anything about basketball – or the Knicks. Most of his adult life has been spent abroad, especially in Peru, working as an Augustinian missionary. According to Catholic News Agency, he hasn’t made any public comments about sports fandom.
Still, the moment feels tailor-made for Knicks fans who’ve waited a long time for something – anything – to believe in. Whether it’s spiritual synergy or just playoff chemistry, they’ll take all the good omens they can get.
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