The world held its breath at 6:07 p.m. when white smoke rose from the Sistine Chapel — the Catholic Church had chosen a new leader: Cardinal Robert Prevost, who will now serve as Pope Leo XIV. At 69 years old, the American with French and Spanish roots made history as the first pope born in the United States and only the second from the Americas, after Pope Francis. But beyond his religious profile and his strong ties to Latin America, especially Peru, the new Pope surprised many with one unusual fact: his love for tennis.

On several occasions, Leo XIV has spoken about his passion for the sport. “I consider myself a big tennis fan,” he said in an interview published on augustinianorder.org a few years ago. “Since leaving Peru, I haven’t had many chances to play, so I’m really looking forward to getting back on the court.” It was during his long stay in Peru that the now-pontiff developed this love for tennis, which he balances with his religious calling. “I’d call myself a very amateur player,” he added humbly, showing that even if the papacy keeps him off the court, the passion is still alive.

The bond with Peru

Prevost lived in Peru for more than a decade, returning many times and considering it a fundamental part of his story. In his first message as Pope, he didn’t hesitate to speak a few heartfelt words in Spanish to the diocese of Chiclayo, where he served as bishop: “A greeting to everyone, and especially to my beloved diocese of Chiclayo in Peru, where a people walked with their bishop, shared their faith, and gave so much to remain a faithful Church of Jesus Christ.”

Beyond his love for sports, Leo XIV arrives at the seat of Saint Peter as a moderate and approachable figure, continuing the pastoral approach of Pope Francis. As prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and with extensive experience in Latin America, he has played a key role in appointing bishops committed to serving the poor and marginalized. His profile is seen as a bridge between the Church’s progressive and conservative factions.

Now, under the spotlight of the Vatican, with global challenges ahead, Leo XIV begins a new chapter for the Catholic Church. Will he manage to sneak in a tennis match between meetings and Masses? It’s a long shot — but as he himself said, “I’m really looking forward to getting back on the court.”