Pope Leo says he ‘certainly’ will support the U.S. in the World Cup

MADRID — The United States has the papal blessing for the World Cup.

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Speaking to reporters aboard a plane to Madrid, the Chicago-born Pope Leo said he will “certainly” champion his home country as the United States prepares to compete against the world’s top teams.

“I will certainly support the U.S.,” Leo said. “I don’t know how many games I’ll be able to see, but, you know, I’ll try my best.”

The pope added that because Peru is where he got his start as a missionary — and because Italy will not be competing — he is still deciding which other nations to support.

Leo made the remarks en route to Madrid, where he is kicking off a weeklong visit to Spain. Shortly after landing in the capital Saturday, he spoke at the Royal Palace, where King Felipe VI received him. Leo expressed gratitude for Spain’s adherence to international law and its commitment to peace and solidarity among nations.

On Sunday, Leo is scheduled to meet with figures from sports, culture and the arts, including actor Antonio Banderas. On Monday, he will become the first pope in history to address the Spanish parliament.

The pontiff will then travel to Barcelona, where he will visit the iconic Sagrada Família and consecrate the newly completed Tower of Jesus Christ — the culmination of 144 years of construction on what will be the world’s tallest church.

The visit will conclude in the Canary Islands, which the United Nations has identified as the final destination of one of the world’s deadliest migration routes.