Papa Love is bringing the good vibes from Chicago to the NFL Combine, but with a twist
It’s no secret that Pope Leo XIV is a Chicago sports fanand he brings the bears good vibes on 2026 NFL Scouting Combine — perhaps without knowing it.
Adam Hoge posted a picture of Pope Leo on The NFL Combine. However, he is not actually there. Someone put a a life-size cardboard cutout of him in the lobby next to the sign directing people to the chapel.
“Papa Bob has arrived at the NFL Combine,” Hoge’s caption read. “A good sign for the bears.”
Papa Bob arrived at the NFL Combine. A good sign for the bears. pic.tvitter.com/iKlvzesKKSc
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) February 26, 2026
Of course, the Pope is probably in the Vatican. It’s unlikely he would attend the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Ind., but he likely hopes the players the Bears scout can take them to the next level.
Does Papa Leo’s Chicago sports fandom include the Bears?
Papa Love was born in Chicago and supports the city’s sports teams like the Bears and the White Sox. JD Vance presented him with a custom Bears jersey in May 2025.
He recently roasted a Cubs fan (another MLB team from Chicago) in the Vatican. As he was being wheeled through the crowd, someone called out, “Come on, cubs!” with him.
“Han perdido!” the pope replied. “They lost!”
The White Sox recognize Pope Leo as one of their most famous fans. They painted a mural in his honor at their stadium, Rate Field. He also delivered a video message to fans during the June 2025 game.
Pope Leo was appointed pontiff in May 2025 after the death of Pope Francis. He died at the age of 88. He served as pontiff for just over 12 years before his death. He was elected in March 2013, and he remained in that position until April 2025.
It’s been a long journey for Pope Leo, who was ordained in June 1982. He will be consecrated more than three decades later in December 2014, to become a cardinal in September 2023.
2026-02-26 17:34:00
