The election of the first ever American to the papacy is giving New York Knicks fans feelings of divine right ahead of the rest of the NBA playoffs.

Cardinal Robert Prevost's election as pope is giving Knicks fans a boost. He's the first American pontiff and, like Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges, went to Villanova.

The Chicago-born missionary, who took the name Leo XIV, attended Villanova University near Philadelphia, where he received a Bachelor of Science in 1977. The Knicks erased 20-point deficits in ...

The sports loyalties of Pope Leo XIV became a topic of conversation almost as soon as the white smoke emerged from the Vatican's Sistine Chapel.

With their team up 2-0 on the Celtics, Knicks fans are fired up. But after learning of the new pope’s Villanova ties, they believe something special is going on. Cardinal Robert Frances Prevost ...

(Vatican Media via AP) Newly elected Pope Leo XIV appears at the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, Thursday, May 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson ...

Like many who feel a connection with the new pope, Rabbi Joseph Schultz believes his familiarity with sports can help bring ...

But New York fans have now taken this to a new level, comparing the Knicks to the new Pope who was just named. Pope Leo XIV was named to be the next Pope on Thursday after a few days of deliberation.

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost is now Pope Leo XIV. He is the first American Pope. New York Knicks fans are excited. An old tweet resurfaced. It showed Pope Leo XIV supporting Villanova ...

The Chicago-born missionary, who took the name Leo XIV, attended Villanova University ... trio of former Villanova players leading the New York Knicks on an NBA playoff run. It didn't take long ...