Struggling NFL Team Gets Unexpected Blessing From Pope Francis
The New Orleans Saints have had a pretty disappointing season so far with two wins and seven losses. It seemingly would take a miracle or some sort of divine intervention to turn their fortunes around this year. On Nov. 5, however, they unexpected received that blessing from none other than Pope Francis.
The pope took to X to issue a message to his millions of followers around the world emphasizing the importance of the saints of the Catholic Church. In using a hashtag on the word "saints," however, the word was accompanied by the New Orleans Saints' logo, as the hashtag is seemingly linked with the NFL team for the season.
"The #Saints are precious pearls and are always living and relevant, because they provide a fascinating commentary on the Gospel. Their lives are an illustration of the Good News that Jesus brought to humanity: God is our Father, who loves everyone with boundless love," the pope wrote.
The #Saints are precious pearls and are always living and relevant, because they provide a fascinating commentary on the Gospel. Their lives are an illustration of the Good News that Jesus brought to humanity: God is our Father, who loves everyone with boundless love.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 5, 2024
Naturally, NFL fans had fun with the technological curiosity and poked fun at the Saints' turmoil this season. This includes joking about the firing of head coach Dennis Allen yesterday after seven straight losses.
"Even the pope is excited we fired Dennis Allen," one X user wrote.
"The pope has spoken. [Saints general manager] Mickey Loomis must be fired," another said.
"Losing to the [Carolina] Panthers was so bad that they had to call up the pope," another chimed in.
"This might turn their season around," one person hoped.
One user pointed out the obvious: "Those New Orleans Saints definitely could use some divine intervention."
It remains to be seen if the pope's blessing has any effect when the Saints, led by interim head coach Darren Rizzi, face off against the Atlanta Falcons on Nov. 10.