• •Pope Leo XIV delivered remarks in Catalan at a Barcelona cathedral during his week-long Spanish tour.
• •The Pontiff confirmed his personal support for Real Madrid, a rival to the local club FC Barcelona, during his visit.
• •The admission reportedly drew immediate criticism from some local worshippers, though the full extent of the backlash remains to be seen.

Pope Leo XIV publically identified as a Real Madrid supporter while visiting Barcelona this week. The admission follows the Pontiff's attempt to address local citizens in Catalan, a gesture typically aimed at fostering goodwill in the region. According to The Guardian, the preference for Madrid over the local FC Barcelona team has alienated segments of the city's Catholic community. Whether this sporting preference will affect his remaining diplomatic engagements in Spain remains unclear.