There are times in life when two circles that previously never interacted all of a sudden intersect. It’s kind of like when you were a kid and would see a teacher out at a grocery store. You had to do a quick double-take after seeing someone in a completely different setting.
Recently, NFL Twitter has been graced by His Holiness Pope Francis. He is likely not the one running his X/Twitter account, but his messages are certainly intended to inspire and help those on the platform.
Pope Francis’ messages evolved recently when his account began exploring the world of hashtags. He had the best intentions, but a feature where certain hashtags create little images next to each other has taken social media by storm.
Here’s what happened, and why the New Orleans Saints are suddenly involved.
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Pope Francis Saints tweet, explained
In Christianity, a Saint is recognized for having an exceptional closeness with God. Catholicism derives its Sainthood from this, but in a general sense, it includes all those faithful to God who have deceased and are now in Heaven.
In the NFL, a Saint plays for the New Orleans Saints.
On X, if you use the hashtag #Saints, the term is highlighted, and the logo for the New Orleans Saints, a fleur-de-lis, pops up. It is unmistakably the New Orleans logo with its golden accent, a nod to the team’s primary color.
Pope Francis posted a message on November 5, where he first used the hashtag. Out of context, it was funny. If you add in the context that New Orleans had just fired head coach Dennis Allen after losing seven games in a row? It gets funnier.
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
It wasn’t a one-off occurrence either. Either nobody running the account noticed, or they didn’t mind the extra outreach to NFL fans because the first instance of using the hashtag came on November 1.
The #Saints are formed by the Beatitudes: poor, meek, merciful, hungering and thirsting for justice, seeking peace. They are “filled with God” and incapable of remaining indifferent to the needs of their neighbour. They bear witness to paths of light that we too can trod.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 1, 2024
MORE SAINTS: Why did Saints fire Dennis Allen?
What did Saints say to Pope Francis?
Whoever is running the NFL Saints X account capitalized on the opportunity. The Pope tweeted Thursday, using the hashtag for a third time, and the New Orleans team account couldn’t help itself.
We cannot become #Saints with a frown. We must have joyful hearts that remain open to hope.
— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) November 7, 2024
Amen #Saints https://t.co/zDsyaPe9tL
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 7, 2024
After the Saints 20-17 win over their division rival Falcons on Sunday, the team’s social media accounts once again dove into the Pope discourse. On X, New Orleans posted a screenshot of Pope Francis’ original “frown” tweet along with three photos of Pope Francis himself, spliced so they align as if they were a full picture of him holding up the tweet.
The Saints commented “We weren’t losing after this,” crediting the religious figure with their latest victory at home.
We weren’t losing after this pic.twitter.com/qSmQXaAfD1
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 10, 2024
MORE SAINTS: Dennis Allen replacement candidates
Why did Pope Francis tweet about the Saints?
Pope Francis was simply trying to send out messages referring to religious Saints. Whoever is running the account clearly wasn’t aware that the hashtag would bring up the NFL logo once it was posted to X. Or if they were, they are likely happy that the posts are getting more traction and interaction even if that sharing may not be doing so from a religious standpoint.
For now, after losing seven straight games, including one to the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans faithful hope the Pope’s happy accident acts as a blessing and helps the franchise turn its season around.
Is Pope Francis a Saints fan?
Of sorts. Is Pope Francis a fan of religious Saints? Absolutely. Is there any indication that he is a lifelong fan of the NFL franchise located in New Orleans? No. It would be funny, though, if he were secretly a huge fan of the NFL team and was expressing that through his tweets.
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