Pope Leo XIV drew laughter and warm applause aboard his papal flight on Saturday when he revealed a personal football allegiance that even the weight of the papacy cannot suppress; he is a Real Madrid man.

The moment came as the Pope was travelling from Rome to Madrid at the start of a week-long Apostolic Journey to Spain, his first visit to a European Union country outside Italy. Speaking informally with the more than 80 journalists accompanying him on the flight, the Pontiff was asked the question that divides an entire nation: Real Madrid or Barcelona? Without hesitation, and with a broad smile, Pope Leo XIV offered a response that was both diplomatic and disarmingly witty.

“That’s easy: the Pope is for all teams, but Robert Prevost is for Real Madrid!” he said, invoking his secular name to separate the duties of the office from the passions of the man.

The quip immediately triggered laughter among those present and quickly became one of the standout moments of the journey before it had even properly begun. It also offered a rare glimpse into the personality of the American-born Pontiff, who has shown a willingness to engage with popular culture and sport as part of his broader effort to connect with ordinary people around the world.

The Pope’s arrival in Spain carries significance well beyond football allegiances. He was received in Madrid by King Felipe and Queen Letizia, and his itinerary for the week includes engagements with ecclesial communities, civil authorities, and the faithful across Madrid, Barcelona, and the Canary Islands. He is expected to deliver more than 20 speeches covering themes including migration, conflict, and global division.

Real Madrid will feature prominently during the visit. The Pontiff is set to lead a prayer vigil outside the club’s iconic Santiago Bernabéu stadium on Saturday evening, an event expected to draw as many as 400,000 people.

The Bernabéu will also host a meeting between Leo and Madrid’s diocesan community on Monday.

The Pope also touched on the FIFA World Cup, which kicks off on June 11, saying he would “certainly support” the United States, though he added with characteristic humour that he was “not sure how many games I will be able to see.”