Bizarre reason New York Knicks fans are celebrating the selection of Pope Leo XIV

Bizarre reason New York Knicks fans are celebrating the selection of Pope Leo XIV

The election of the first ever American to the papacy is giving New York Knicks fans feelings of divine right ahead of the rest of the NBA playoffs.

On Thursday afternoon, Cardinal Robert Prevost was elected by his federal cardinals to become the new head of the Catholic Church – taking the name Pope Leo XIV.

But long before he roamed the halls of the Sistine Chapel, Prevost may have rejoiced in the similarly hallowed walls of the Palestra as a student at Villanova University off the Main Line outside of Philadelphia.

Villanova, which is known for its basketball program, has produced multiple NBA players – including a trio of stars on the New York Knicks.

Point guard Jalen Brunson, shooting guard Josh Hart, and forward Mikal Bridges all were Villanova Wildcats – winning a national тιтle together in 2016.

Prevost, who was a bishop in Peru at the time, celebrated his alma mater winning the national тιтle on social media through a re-tweet. 

Pope Leo XIV, birth name Robert Prevost, attended Villanova University in Pennsylvania

Pope Leo XIV, birth name Robert Prevost, attended Villanova University in Pennsylvania

So did New York Knicks stars Josh Hart (3), Jalen Brunson (11) and Mikal Bridges (25)

So did New York Knicks stars Josh Hart (3), Jalen Brunson (11) and Mikal Bridges (25)

Prevost re-tweeted a celebration of Villanova's 2016 тιтle - when all 3 players were on the team

Prevost re-tweeted a celebration of Villanova’s 2016 тιтle – when all 3 players were on the team

Now, Knicks fans and sports writers believe the team has the power of God on their side

Now, Knicks fans and sports writers believe the team has the power of God on their side

But now, with Brunson, Hart, and Bridges all on the Knicks, fans of the basketball team believe they may have God on their side.

‘The Pope is a Villanova guy. Knicks might just win the whole thing,’ wrote Knicks fan and legendary sports writer Frank Isola on X.

Another Knicks account posted, ‘The new Pope, Leo XIV, is a Villanova graduate. It’s meant to be.’

‘The new pope went to Villanova! This totally explains what’s happening with the Knicks,’ posted NBC Sports’ college basketball insider Nicole Auerbach. 

Even Knicks super-fan Spike Lee got in on the action, posting to Instagram, ‘And for my NEW YAWK KNICKS FANS His Alma Mater Is VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY… What A HOLY BLESSING. THE KNICKER BOCKERS ARE GONNA WIN THE 2024-[2025] NBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP. IT IS DIVINITY. GOD BLESS.’ 

Prevost graduated Villanova in 1977 – two years before the Wildcats made the move to the Big East Conference. 

Former Villanova basketball coach Jay Wright posted, ‘A blessing for all Americans, @osavocations [the X account for the Augustinain Friars] @VillanovaU, most importantly in the World!’ 

Further strengthening his connection to the Big East, Prevost’s mother attended DePaul University in Chicago – another member of the prestigious basketball conference.

Related Posts

Why Luka Doncic’s new 5m Lakers deal could force LeBron James to demand a trade

Why Luka Doncic’s new $165m Lakers deal could force LeBron James to demand a trade

There’s a changing of the guard at the Los Angeles Lakers and as things stands, LeBron James isn’t completely comfortable with it. The trade to bring Luka…

Ex-NBA star Nate Robinson admits he ‘doesn’t have long to live’ if he can’t get a kidney replacement, as three-time Dunk Contest champion tells Mail Sport he’d only survive ‘a week or two’ without dialysis machine

Ex-NBA star Nate Robinson admits he ‘doesn’t have long to live’ if he can’t get a kidney replacement, as three-time Dunk Contest champion tells Mail Sport he’d only survive ‘a week or two’ without dialysis machine

Most watched Sport videos Two years after announcing his renal kidney failure diagnosis, ex-NBA star Nate Robinson has admitted he ‘doesn’t have long to live’ if he…

NBA owner makes record 5m bid to buy WNBA team and relocate to Boston… but sale could have compeтιтion

NBA owner makes record $325m bid to buy WNBA team and relocate to Boston… but sale could have compeтιтion

The group led by former NBA owner Steve Pagliuca has officially made a record $325million offer to by the Connecticut Sun. However, his bid might not be…

Chicago Bulls’ uncontested fast break goes hilariously wrong as Torrey Craig throws himself an alley-oop off the backboard only to be thwarted by TEAMMATE Andre Drummond: ‘They both missed!’

Chicago Bulls’ uncontested fast break goes hilariously wrong as Torrey Craig throws himself an alley-oop off the backboard only to be thwarted by TEAMMATE Andre Drummond: ‘They both missed!’

Most watched Sport videos Chicago Bulls forward Torrey Craig thought he had an uncontested fast break in Tuesday’s loss to the New York Knicks. Teammate Andre Drummond…

Draymond Green asks Warriors teammate Klay Thompson for his ‘brutally honest’ take on his frequent ejections for Golden State: ‘We just need you’

Draymond Green asks Warriors teammate Klay Thompson for his ‘brutally honest’ take on his frequent ejections for Golden State: ‘We just need you’

Most watched Sport videos Draymond Green was given a heartfelt reply by his Golden State Warriors teammate Klay Thompson when he asked the guard for his ‘brutally…

Tennessee judge rules NBA star Ja Morant DID act in self-defense when Grizzlies guard punched a teenager during a pickup basketball game at his Memphis mansion

Tennessee judge rules NBA star Ja Morant DID act in self-defense when Grizzlies guard punched a teenager during a pickup basketball game at his Memphis mansion

Most watched Sport videos A Tennessee judge has ruled that Ja Morant acted in self defense when the Grizzlies star punched a teenager at his Memphis mansion…