Pope Leo XIV was elected last year and revealed as an avid tennis enthusiast. His passion for the sport came into the spotlight during a meeting with top-ranked player Jannik Sinner. Since then, Leo has aimed to incorporate tennis into his weekly schedule, aligning with his Augustinian dedication to physical activity and spirituality. The Rule of St. Augustine, an ancient guide for religious life, underscores the importance of good habits.
Rev. Rob Hagan, Prior of the Augustinian Province of St. Thomas of Villanova and chaplain for the basketball and football teams at Villanova University, explained that Leo seeks regularity in his routine based on these principles. Leo’s devotion to St. Augustine was clear during his pilgrimage to Algeria in April, visiting the archaeological ruins where the influential theologian and philosopher lived and worked. He emphasizes the importance of developing an interior life amid modern distractions.
Leo frequently spends Mondays and Tuesdays at Castel Gandolfo, a papal retreat near Rome, where he enjoys tennis with his secretary, Monsignor Edgard Iván Rimaycuna Inga. He also engages in swimming and horseback riding. Before becoming pope, Leo, then-Cardinal Robert Prevost, discussed his tennis skills in an interview with the Augustinian Order, describing himself as an amateur player eager to return to the court after his time as a missionary in Peru.
This week, Pope Leo released a video advocating for sports as a means of fostering peace and dialogue among cultures. He emphasized personal growth and community through sports, stating, ‘In life, as in the game, no one is saved alone. We need others to grow, to learn respect, to overcome our limits, and to celebrate together the victories we achieve.’
Croatian player Marin Cilic, 2014 U.S. Open champion, expressed his admiration for Pope Leo’s passion for tennis. ‘It’s a beautiful game,’ Cilic remarked, highlighting the enjoyment of playing without tournament pressures. Tennis requires focus and discipline, avoiding unforced errors to ensure success. Hagan pointed out the mental discipline necessary in tennis, linking it to developing good habits in life.
Tennis also demands hand-eye coordination, cardiovascular fitness, and stamina, which help Pope Leo manage the physical demands of his role. In April, Leo undertook an 11-day African tour, covering over 11,000 miles on 18 flights. Hagan noted Leo’s rigorous schedule and vocal strength, indicating the physical demands of being a spiritual leader.
Before his papacy, Leo worked out at the Omega gym near the Vatican two to three times a week, focusing on posture and cardiovascular health with one-hour sessions. His personal trainer noted that Prevost had workouts suitable for his age, emphasizing treadmill and exercise bike use.
Hagan observed that Leo’s influence has renewed interest in St. Augustine and Augustinian values. He hopes this leads more people to apply these principles in their lives. ‘We don’t have a monopoly on these values, but Augustine and Leo put them on a platform for all to see,’ said Hagan, who has instilled these values in Villanova teams for over two decades. ‘It doesn’t guarantee victory,’ he added, ‘but it aims to help individuals become their best selves.’
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