Pope Leo XIV has playfully hinted at his college basketball loyalty ahead of the upcoming matchup between Villanova and Notre Dame, according to a report by Matt Reed for Yahoo Sports on October 31, 2026.
The pontiff's lighthearted comments add an unusual dimension to the rivalry between the two Catholic universities, both of which have strong basketball traditions. Villanova has won multiple NCAA championships in recent decades, while Notre Dame maintains a storied program with a national following.
Neither the Vatican nor the universities have released official statements regarding the pope's rooting interest. The game date and venue were not specified in the initial report.
