NFL fans all made the same joke after Robert F. Prevost was unveiled as the new pope this week.
Prevost is the first American to be elected pope, making incredible history. His appointment took only two days, suggesting there was little opposition to him taking over from the late Pope Francis, who passed away in April.
The new Vicar of Christ, who hails from Chicago, will be known as Pope Leo XIV moving forward.
Meanwhile, NFL fans are having some fun with the appointment, given that the draft took place two weekends ago. The fact that a group of Cardinals selected the pope played well into the joke.
The Appointment Of New Pope Robert Prevost Had Everyone Saying The Same Thing
The Arizona Cardinals are one of the NFL’s 32 teams, which apparently makes for great papal banter given the timing of it all.
“Jeff Ulbrichs son should prank shedeur one last time,” PFT Commenter wrote.
Jeff Ulbrichs son should prank shedeur one last time https://t.co/V59nuK30BR
— PFT Commenter (@PFTCommenter) May 8, 2025
“With the first pick in the 2025 Pope Draft, the Cardinals select Robert F. Prevost, New Catholic Pope, USA. Prevost was 16/1 to become the Pope,” a fan shared.
With the first pick in the 2025 Pope Draft, the Cardinals select Robert F. Prevost, New Catholic Pope, USA
Prevost was 16/1 to become the New Pope pic.twitter.com/dLKsTd20PS
— The Sports Geek (@TheSports_Geek) May 8, 2025
“The Cardinals ELECT EDGE Rusher… Pope Robert Francis Prevost?” said another.
The Cardinals ELECT EDGE Rusher… Pope Robert Francis Prevost? pic.twitter.com/q6s8jZFAtu
— Justin Bowers Mythic AZ (@ImMythicAZ) May 8, 2025
“BREAKING: Cardinals complete first trade of 2025 season, send Robert Prevost, aka Pope Leo, to Vatican City in exchange for cash considerations,” one user joked.
BREAKING: Cardinals complete first trade of 2025 season, send Robert Prevost, aka Pope Leo, to Vatican City in exchange for cash considerations pic.twitter.com/nM5dMdAA2h
— Conspiratorial Templates (@mynamehear) May 8, 2025
Prevost, 69, is set to lead the Catholic religion after amassing a wealth of experience, mostly working as a missionary in South America.
Day 1 of the Papal Conclave in the Vatican City saw black smoke rise above the Sistine Chapel, but the smoke seen coming out on Thursday was white, signaling the election of a new Pontiff.
Prevost eventually walked out onto the famous Vatican balcony.
He comes in as the 267th pope.