The Catholic Church has another high pontiff born in the Americas with connections with the sport. Pope Francis’s successor, Argentine who loved football and was a passionate San Lorenzo fan, American Robert Francis Prevost, 69, claims to have good qualities with the rackets.
“I consider myself an amateur tennis player,” said the religious, asked what he likes to do in his free time, in an interview published in 2023 by the website of the Order of St. Augustine, of which he has been part since 1977. From now on known as Pope Leo 14, he had just been named Cardinal.
“Since I left Peru, I had few opportunities to train. So I look forward to returning to the court,” he added, aware that it would not be easy to practice his “Forehands” and “backhands”. “Not that this new occupation gives me a lot of free time …”
Born in Chicago, Prevost is known for his missionary work in Peru in the 1980s, where he developed some of his sports skills. And he also exercised others of his hobbies, such as walks.
“I like to read, make long walks and travel, meet and enjoy new and diverse places. I like to relax with friends and meet a wide range of people. Different people can greatly enrich our lives,” he said.
