Pope Leo XIV gave an unexpected response when asked about his allegiance in a hypothetical World Cup match between the United States and Peru: "Probably Peru," he confidently replied, as captured in a video shared by Christopher Hale.
Hale, the author of the newsletter Letters from Leo which focuses on Pope Leo XIV's papacy, uploaded the brief clip with the caption: "When asked who he would support between the U.S. and Peru in the World Cup, Pope Leo XIV's answer was, 'Probably Peru'.
The Dual Heritage of Pope Leo XIV
This statement has a straightforward biographical explanation. Born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago in 1955, Leo XIV became the first American pope when he was elected as the 267th pontiff on May 8, 2025. However, he also holds Peruvian citizenship, naturalized after spending over thirty years on mission in the Andean nation as an Augustinian friar.
Prevost served as the Bishop of Chiclayo from 2014 to 2023, was the apostolic administrator of Callao, and a member of the Peruvian Episcopal Conference. His deep-rooted connection to Latin America was evident from the start of his pontificate, as he included a special greeting in Spanish for Peru during his inaugural public appearance from St. Peter's balcony.
Future Travels and Football Ironies
On January 31, during a celebration in the Vatican gardens, Peru formally invited the pontiff to visit the country. Reports from January 2026 suggest that Leo XIV plans to visit Latin America in 2026 or 2027, with Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru being potential stops.
Ironically, Peru did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which is hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Peruvian team finished ninth—second to last—in the Conmebol qualifiers, with just 12 points from 18 matches, scoring only six goals and conceding 21, marking their worst performance since the current format was adopted.
Thus, the scenario presented to the pope is virtually impossible. Nevertheless, Leo XIV's response reflects his dual identity accurately.
Political Tensions and Public Disputes
Moreover, recent months have seen significant controversy involving both personalities. Former President Donald Trump launched an extensive and harsh message on his Truth Social platform against Pope Leo XIV, labeling him "weak on crime" and "terrible on foreign policy" amidst escalating tensions between the White House and the Vatican.
The criticism followed weeks of friction that intensified when the pope condemned Trump's threat to destroy Iran if they didn't reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, it came after Leo XIV’s private meeting on April 9 with David Axelrod, a Democratic strategist and former advisor to Barack Obama.
In an attempt to quell tensions with President Trump, Pope Leo XIV stated that there was a narrative that had not been accurate in all its aspects and that he had no interest in debating with the U.S. leader. The pontiff made these remarks during his 11-day apostolic tour across four African countries—Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea—starting on April 13, amidst a public confrontation that has captured international attention.
Pope Leo XIV, U.S., and Peru: Key Insights
Why did Pope Leo XIV choose Peru over the U.S. in a hypothetical World Cup match?
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost, has strong ties to Peru, having lived there for over thirty years and becoming a naturalized citizen. His connection to the country likely influenced his decision.
What sparked tensions between Pope Leo XIV and Donald Trump?
Tensions arose when Pope Leo XIV criticized Trump's threat to Iran and after a private meeting with Democratic strategist David Axelrod. Trump responded with harsh criticism on social media.