'Prevost is Real Madrid!': Pope enters Spanish football schism

Leo XIV tossed away the diplomatic tact usually required of popes as he began a state visit to Spain on Saturday, revealing that his footballing loyalties lie with Real Madrid.

Asked on the papal plane about his preference between La Liga's two biggest clubs, Leo plumped for Los Blancos over their eternal rivals Barcelona.

"That's easy... the Pope is for all teams, but (Robert) Prevost is Real Madrid!" Leo said jokingly, referring to his secular name.

Real Madrid will play a role during Leo's week-long trip to Spain, which takes in the capital and Barcelona.

The Pope will lead a prayer vigil outside the club's Bernabeu stadium that is expected to draw 400,000 people on Saturday evening.

On Monday, the Bernabeu will host a meeting between Leo and Madrid's diocesan community.

The US-born pope added that he would "certainly support" his country at the World Cup that starts on June 11, "though I am not sure how many games I will (be) able to see".

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