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

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

Speaking to reporters aboard a level to Madrid, the Chicago-born Pope Leo said he will “certainly” champion his location state arsenic the United States prepares to compete against the world’s apical teams.

“I will surely support the U.S.,” Leo said. “I don’t cognize really galore games I’ll beryllium capable to see, but, you know, I’ll effort my best.”

The pope added that because Peru is wherever he sewage his commencement arsenic a missionary — and because Italy will not beryllium competing — he is still deciding which different nations to support.

Leo made the remarks en way to Madrid, wherever he is kicking disconnected a weeklong sojourn to Spain. Shortly aft landing successful the superior Saturday, he said astatine the Royal Palace, wherever King Felipe VI received him. Leo expressed gratitude for Spain’s adherence to world rule and its committedness to bid and solidarity among nations.

On Sunday, Leo is scheduled to meet pinch figures from sports, civilization and the arts, including character Antonio Banderas. On Monday, he will go the first pope successful history to reside the Spanish parliament.

The pontiff will past recreation to Barcelona, wherever he will sojourn the iconic Sagrada Família and consecrate the recently completed Tower of Jesus Christ — the culmination of 144 years of building connected what will beryllium the world’s tallest church.

The sojourn will reason successful the Canary Islands, which the United Nations has identified arsenic the last destination of 1 of the world’s deadliest migration routes.