Pope Leo XIV, born and raised in Chicago, has captured global attention for two reasons: his historic role as the first American-born pontiff and his unexpected sports fandom. Before becoming pope, Leo XIV (Robert Prevost) was known for his passion for tennis, and there were rumors that he had a private court in the Vatican. He also made headlines when he attended the 2005 World Series and cheered on the Chicago White Sox to their championship victory. In the latest episode of New Heights, a podcast hosted by NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce, the brothers poked fun at the new pope’s Chicago ties, using his sports background as material for their humor.
Kelce Brothers Spare No One, Not Even the Pope
In the clip of New Heights, Travis and Jason Kelce engage in a lighthearted roast of Pope Leo XIV, focusing on his Chicago upbringing. Known for their unfiltered banter, the brothers joke about how the pope’s Windy City roots might influence his papal duties. Jason referenced the fact that popes must not have sex, saying, “He’s a virgin, that I know,” and Travis joked, “I mean, if he’s made it out of Chicago with out any intercourse, this guy can do anything!
Pope Leo XIV’s journey from a Chicago parish to the Vatican, marked by his tenure as a bishop in Peru and his role in the Dicastery for Bishops, adds a layer of intrigue to the Kelces’ commentary. However, they ensure that no one is off-limit.
Leo XIV’s story is indeed remarkable. After studying at the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, he earned a doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome. His career took him to Peru, where he served as bishop of Chiclayo before being named prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops in 2023. His election as pope on May 8, following the death of Pope Francis, marked a seismic shift for the Catholic Church. However, his Chicago sports fandom has added a relatable twist to his public persona.
NFL Schedule Release for Travis Kelce’s Final Season
With what might be his last NFL season with the Chiefs approaching, the anticipation around the release of the 2025 schedule is palpable for Travis Kelce. The Chiefs are poised to dominate primetime slots, beginning with a Week 1 showdown against the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil, a matchup that promises to bring an international flair to the NFL. They will also face the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving and the Denver Broncos on Christmas night. Their schedule includes a highly anticipated rematch with the reigning champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, likely in Week 2.
Meanwhile, the rivalry with Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills continues. The Bills have a 4-1 regular-season advantage over the Chiefs, but Kansas City has won all four playoff matchups, adding spice to their next meeting. The full schedule for all teams will be unveiled later today on NFL Network, setting the stage for a season in which Kelce aims to cement his legacy.
Entering his 13th NFL season, Travis is under pressure to deliver another championship, especially amid rumors about his future with Taylor Swift. The couple has been together for nearly two years. Although the loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX in February 2025 dashed hopes of a proposal during the game, the possibility of marriage by the end of the next season remains a topic of speculation.
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