As Super Bowl LIX approaches, it is safe to say that Heaven is gearing up for some serious game-day action, too. With millions of fans on both sides praying for their team’s victory, the pearly gates might just experience a surge in intercessions. Whether it is a Hail Mary in the fourth quarter or a last-minute plea for divine intervention, expect plenty of prayers to rise up faster than a well-executed two-minute drill.

As the nation eagerly anticipates Super Bowl LIX, intriguing connections emerge between the Catholic Church and the big game. While Pope Francis may not be calling plays from the sideline, his ties to both Super Bowl teams – Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles – add a unique layer of interest to the championship matchup.

A papal gift: Mahomes’ jersey in the Vatican

In 2020, just three weeks before the Super Bowl, Kansas City Bishop James Johnston presented Pope Francis with a signed Patrick Mahomes jersey. The gift symbolized both admiration for the pontiff and recognition of his well-documented love for sports. Mahomes, the Chiefs’ star quarterback, has since led his team to multiple Super Bowl appearances, and the jersey remains a unique reminder of the intersection between faith and football.

Eagles’ connection to the Vatican

The Philadelphia Eagles also share a connection with Pope Francis. During the 2015 papal visit to Philadelphia, the Holy Father received an Eagles jersey signed by tight end Brent Celek. The team, known for its strong Catholic fan base, has had several players outspoken about their faith, adding a spiritual dimension to their journey on the field.

Popes and the Super Bowl: A brief history

Though the Vatican has never officially endorsed any NFL team, past popes have acknowledged the significance of the Super Bowl as a cultural event. Pope John Paul II, an avid sports fan, once addressed American football players, highlighting the values of teamwork and perseverance. Pope Benedict XVI, while less engaged with sports, also appreciated the influence of athletics in fostering discipline and unity. Pope Francis, however, has been the most vocal in his appreciation for sports and their role in building bridges across cultures. He even sent a pre-recorded video to the 2017 Super Bowl.

Pope Francis: A lifelong sports fan

Pope Francis has long been an enthusiastic supporter of sports, particularly fútbol (soccer). As a devoted fan of Argentina’s San Lorenzo club, he has spoken about how sports can promote solidarity, fair play, and moral values. While American football is not his primary passion, he is aware of the Super Bowl’s worldwide appeal.

Bishops’ Bet: A Super Bowl tradition

The Catholic bishops of Philadelphia and Kansas City, Missouri, are keeping a fun Super Bowl tradition alive with their own “Bishops’ Bet.” Bishop James V. Johnston Jr. of Kansas City-St. Joseph and Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez of Philadelphia have placed a friendly wager on the outcome of the game—but this bet isn’t about bragging rights. Instead, they’ve pledged to donate $500 to a charity of the other’s choice, turning the big game into an opportunity for goodwill and giving back. This type of wager has become a tradition among bishops when their home teams make it to the Super Bowl, keeping the spirit of sportsmanship and charity alive alongside the competition.

Super Bowl Viewership: a global spectacle

The Super Bowl is not just an American pastime—it is a global event. Each year, the game draws over 100 million viewers in the U.S. alone, with Super Bowl XLIX in 2015 reaching a record-breaking 114 million. Around the world, the event is broadcast in over 130 countries, proving that the excitement of football transcends borders, cultures, and even religions.