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

LeBron James sparks fan frenzy over trade speculation with key detail in fiery Instagram post

LeBron James sparks fan frenzy over trade speculation with key detail in fiery Instagram post

LeBron James did little to dampen the speculation over his future with a social media post that sent some NBA fans into meltdown. The basketball legend, 40, confirmed…

Smitten Megan Thee Stallion and Klay Thompson enjoy romantic fishing date as NBA star gushes over his ‘queen’

Smitten Megan Thee Stallion and Klay Thompson enjoy romantic fishing date as NBA star gushes over his ‘queen’

Megan Thee Stallion and Klay Thompson have continued their offseason adventures by going on a romantic fishing date together. The new couple first sparked romance rumors earlier this…

NBA legend pokes fun at his arrest for illegal gambling in bizarre video after being released from jail on k bond

NBA legend pokes fun at his arrest for illegal gambling in bizarre video after being released from jail on $50k bond

Former Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas has poked fun at his arrest for allegedly running an illegal gambling operation after sharing a video on social media. The case against…

Marcus Morris Sr’s brother and agent slam NBA star’s ‘insane’ arrest and reveal ‘real’ reasons he was detained

Marcus Morris Sr’s brother and agent slam NBA star’s ‘insane’ arrest and reveal ‘real’ reasons he was detained

The twin brother of NBA free agent Marcus Morris Sr. and the player’s agent are disputing the reason for his shocking arrest in Florida on Sunday. Morris was…

Bronny James should NOT head to the NBA this year and instead needs another year in college before he is ready, ex-NBA star Byron Scott claims – after LeBron’s son declared for Draft

Bronny James should NOT head to the NBA this year and instead needs another year in college before he is ready, ex-NBA star Byron Scott claims – after LeBron’s son declared for Draft

Most watched Sport videos With Bronny James now entering the transfer portal and declaring for the NBA Draft, a number of former league executives and coaches have…

Shaquille O’Neal reveals the NBA star he ‘f***ing hates’

Shaquille O’Neal reveals the NBA star he ‘f***ing hates’

Shaquille O’Neal has reignited his long-running feud with Rudy Gobert after admitting he ‘f***ing hates’ the Minnesota Timberwolves star. O’Neal and Gobert are not the best of…