It's no secret that Pope Leo XIV is a Chicago sports fan, and he is bringing the Bears good vibes at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine — perhaps without even knowing it.
Adam Hoge posted a picture of Pope Leo at the NFL Combine. However, he is not actually there. Someone put a life-size cardboard cutout of him in a lobby next to a sign directing people to the chapel.
“Pope Bob has made it to the NFL Combine,” Hoge's caption read. “Good sign for the Bears.”
Pope Bob has made it to the NFL Combine. Good sign for the Bears. pic.twitter.com/yKlwzesKXc
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) February 26, 2026
Of course, the pope is likely in Vatican City. It's unlikely he would attend the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana, but he is likely hoping the Bears scout players who can take them to the next level.
Does Pope Leo's Chicago sports fandom include the Bears?
Pope Leo was born in Chicago, and he is a fan of the city's sports teams like the Bears and White Sox. JD Vance gifted him a custom Bears jersey in May 2025.
He also recently roasted a Cubs (another Chicago-based MLB team) fan at the Vatican. As he was driven through a crowd of people, someone yelled, “Go Cubs!” at him.
“Han perdido!” the pope responded. “They lost!”
The White Sox recognize Pope Leo as one of their most famous fans. They painted a mural in his honor inside their stadium, Rate Field. He also delivered a video message to fans during a game in June 2025.
Pope Leo was named pontiff in May 2025 following the death of Pope Francis. He passed away at 88 years old. He had served as pontiff for just over 12 years before his death. His election was in March 2013, and he remained in his position until April 2025.
It was a long journey for Pope Leo, who was ordained in June 1982. He would be consecrated more than three decades later in December 2014, before becoming a cardinal in September 2023.
