arts
Pope Leo XIV gets caught up in Spain’s great debates over soccer and language
By Kevin Boulandier at WSVN 7 News
· June 9, 2026
· 5 min read
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Pope Leo XIV found himself in the midst of two of Spain’s greatest rivalries — over soccer and language — as he landed in Barcelona on Tuesday during his weeklong visit to the country. Spaniards don’t argue that much about issues like abortion or guns, but they do debate tire
Key takeaway -born pontiff had rubbed Barcelona’s soccer fans the wrong way by saying he roots for Real Madrid instead of their beloved Barça.
Why this matters in The Miami
The pope's visit to Spain and his apparent allegiance to Real Madrid over Barcelona may seem like a distant concern to Miamians, but it resonates in a city with a strong Latin American and Caribbean presence. Many Miami residents, particularly those from Cuba, Venezuela, and other Spanish-speaking countries, closely follow Spanish soccer and identify with one team or the other. In Miami's Little Havana and Wynwood neighborhoods, where Latin American culture is vibrant, the rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona can be intense. The pope's comments may have sparked debate among local fans, with some seeing his support for Real Madrid as a nod to central authority and others viewing it as a slight against Catalan nationalism. As Miami's diverse communities continue to grow and interact, the city's soccer fans will likely remain split in their loyalties, reflecting the complex cultural and linguistic identities that shape their hometown.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: arts ·
Published: June 9, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Pope Leo XIV found himself in the midst of two of Spain’s greatest rivalries — over soccer and language — as he landed in Barcelona on Tuesday during his weeklong visit to the country. Spaniards don’t argue that much about issues like abortion or guns, but they do debate tire
When was this published? This article was first published on June 9, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kevin Boulandier at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more arts coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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