In a season marred by struggles and setbacks, the New Orleans Saints have found an unlikely source of hope: Pope Francis. The pontiff inadvertently blessed the team not once, but twice on X, sending waves of optimism through the Saints’ faithful fanbase.
A Papal Blessing in Disguise
The first accidental blessing occurred on Tuesday when Pope Francis included the Saints’ hashtag in an X post. This unexpected mention from the leader of the Catholic Church came as a surprise to many, but the Saints were quick to embrace the positive vibes.
Thank you for your prayers, Pontiff. We need them 🙏
– New Orleans Saints’ official X account
The timing of the Pope’s post couldn’t have been more serendipitous. The Saints, mired in a seven-game losing streak, had just fired head coach Dennis Allen in an attempt to salvage their season. The team was in dire need of a morale boost, and the papal blessing provided just that.
A Connection Forged in Faith
The link between the Saints and Pope Francis goes beyond a simple X post. In April, team owner Gayle Benson presented the pontiff with a personalized Saints jersey during a 10-day trip to Rome and Germany. This gesture of goodwill laid the foundation for the Pope’s future social media blessings.
Benson, a devout Catholic, has been a pillar of the New Orleans community and a steadfast supporter of the Saints through thick and thin. Her faith and dedication to the team have been unwavering, even in the face of adversity.
A History of Divine Intervention
Incredibly, this isn’t the first time Pope Francis has bestowed his blessings upon the Saints. In October 2019, he wrote, “Today we give thanks to the Lord for our new #Saints.” Later that day, New Orleans went on to defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars 13-6, prompting the team to mark the date on their X account a year later.
A year ago today, we woke up #blessed and highly favored by a tweet on our way to a victory that day ⚜️ @Pontifex 🙏#Saints
– New Orleans Saints’ official X account, October 13, 2020
While some may dismiss these incidents as mere coincidences, many Saints fans are clinging to the belief that the Pope’s blessings could be the turning point their team so desperately needs.
Hope Springs Eternal
As the Saints navigate the rough waters of a turbulent season, the Pope’s unexpected support has injected a renewed sense of hope into the team and its fans. In a league where the margin between victory and defeat is often razor-thin, sometimes all it takes is a little divine intervention to turn the tide.
For now, the Saints will take all the help they can get—even if it comes in the form of an accidental hashtag from the holiest of sources. As the team prepares for the battles ahead, they can take solace in knowing that they have a powerful ally in their corner, one whose blessings transcend the boundaries of the gridiron.
Only time will tell if the Pope’s X posts will translate into tangible success for the Saints. But one thing is certain: in the face of adversity, the team and its fans have found an unexpected source of comfort and inspiration in the words of Pope Francis. And in a season that has been anything but blessed, that glimmer of hope may be just what the Saints need to turn their fortunes around.
