From Cardinal to Court: The Sporting Side of Pope Léon XIV

The Vatican’s fascination with tennis extends beyond mere appreciation, reaching a personal level with Pope Léon XIV. before his ascension, then-Cardinal Santos Abril y Castelló, the esteemed Archpriest of Sainte-Marie-Majeure, openly shared his enjoyment of the sport. This revelation adds a new dimension to the pontiff’s public persona,showcasing a relatable hobby amidst his religious duties.

Cardinal Pecorari humorously recounted a tale of Cardinal Abril y Castelló’s competitive spirit. He would play until the score turned against him. To avoid defeat, he had a prearranged signal with an assistant, prompting an urgent (and likely fabricated) phone call mid-match. This anecdote paints a picture of a man who, despite his high office, enjoys a kind game and perhaps dislikes losing.

American Roots and Global Racket Connections

Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Léon XIV, is the first American pope. His connection to the world of tennis is further highlighted by his Chicago roots, a city that has produced notable figures in the sport.

Consider Andrea Jaeger, who reached world number two before dedicating her life to charity and becoming Sister Andrea in 2006 within the Dominican Order. Donald Young, another Chicago native, achieved a career-high ATP ranking of 38 before retiring. Vince Spadea peaked at 18th in the world in 2005. these examples illustrate the strong tennis culture from which the new Pope hails.

A Reverse with Precision: Prevost’s Playing Style

Insights from Robert Francis Prevost reveal his affinity for the reverse shot. Described as precise and powerful, his tennis pursuits were often curtailed by his demanding schedule.The question now arises: dose the new pontiff favor a one-handed or two-handed backhand, mirroring the styles of Roger Federer or the increasingly common two-handed approach seen today?

Echoes of the Past: A Possible French Connection

Born to a family with Spanish and Italian heritage, Prevost’s missionary work in Peru connects him to a nation that produced tennis champions like Alex Olmedo, a Wimbledon and Melbourne victor, and Jaime Yzaga, a frequent competitor against top players in the late 1980s. Though, delving into tennis history reveals an even more intriguing possibility: a potential French connection.

Paule Marie Yvonne Prévost, married Boppe, born in Dinard in 1878, became the French champion in 1900, a time before the Grand Slam tournaments gained prominence. At the Olympic Games held in her home country that same year, she secured a silver medal in both singles and doubles, partnering with harold Mahony. Whether Pope Léon XIV shares transalpine kinship with this early tennis pioneer remains a captivating mystery.

The discovery of Paule Marie Yvonne Prévost’s achievements adds a layer of historical intrigue to the new Pope’s story, suggesting a possible lineage connected to the early days of competitive tennis.