During his flight to Spain on Saturday, Pope Leo XIV candidly admitted he faces tough competition for attention from an unexpected rival: reggaeton superstar Bad Bunny.
The Puerto Rican music icon is scheduled to perform two concerts in Madrid as part of his 10-show tour across Spain, creating what the pontiff acknowledged as a clash for audiences.
During his conversation with journalists traveling on the papal aircraft, Leo XIV referenced informal accounts of growing spiritual interest among Spain’s younger generation when discussing the entertainment competition.
The American pontiff reflected on how young people today appear to be searching for greater purpose in their lives, suggesting his Spanish visit could help “awaken” something meaningful within them.
“If they are confronted with the question ‘Do you want to go see Bad Bunny or do you want to go to see the pope?’ I think many will see Bad Bunny,” Leo said. “But I think there will also be a few here to see the pope. And that says something, you know.”
The pontiff’s seven-day Spanish journey begins Saturday in Madrid before continuing to Barcelona and concluding in the Canary Islands. His mission focuses on promoting national healing in a nation divided by political turmoil and church-related controversies.
When reporters asked about recent developments regarding his cherished Chicago Bears potentially relocating to Hammond, Indiana, Leo XIV offered a lighthearted response. Team leadership approved advancing plans for a new stadium project in Hammond earlier this week.
Regarding whether he had encouraging words for Illinois residents, the Chicago-native pope joked: “That’s out of my pay (scale).”
On other sports topics, Leo XIV confirmed his support for the United States in the forthcoming World Cup competition. However, when pressed about choosing between Real Madrid and Barcelona during his time in Spain, he revealed his personal preference.
“That’s easy,” he said. “The pope is for all teams, but Prevost is Real Madrid,” he said, referring to his birth name.
