A new pope was elected on Thursday, and sports fans believe the New York Knicks should be excited by the development.
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the 267th pope and first ever from the United States. Prevost, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV, is from Chicago, Ill. The 69-year-old graduated from Villanova University in 1977.
The Knicks have deep ties to Villanova, with several of their players having played for the Wildcats in college. Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges were all members of the 2016-17 team that won a national championship. Former Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo was also part of that Wildcats team, but he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in October as part of the Karl-Anthony Towns deal.
With the new pope having a connection to Villanova, many fans feel the Knicks could be a team of destiny in the postseason.
The new Pope, Leo XIV, is a Villanova graduate.
— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) May 8, 2025
It’s meant to be. pic.twitter.com/HqFaGY5EuN
The Pope is a Villanova guy. Knicks might just win the whole thing.
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) May 8, 2025
THE NEW POPE IS CARDINAL PREVOST FROM VILLANOVA
— Knicks Memes (@KnicksMemes) May 8, 2025
VILLANOVA!!!!!!
KNICKS ARE GOING ALL THE WAY pic.twitter.com/gICW7cCQW8
The new pope went to Villanova!
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) May 8, 2025
This totally explains what’s happening with the Knicks.
Pope Leo XIV is the first American Pope. He went to Villanova. Let’s go Knicks…🙏🏻🤔
— Boomer Esiason (@7BOOMERESIASON) May 8, 2025
The new Pope went to Villanova?!
— Peter Rosenberg (@Rosenbergradio) May 8, 2025
Oh man just give the Knicks the chip now
The Knicks have gotten off to a shockingly good start in their Western Conference semifinals series against the Boston Celtics. They trailed by 20 points in Game 1 and 2 on the road and found a way to win both.
With the pope now in their corner, there may be nothing that can stop the Knicks.
