Getty Image / © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
A new Pope was announced on Thursday in what was a historic surprise decision. Robert Prevost will assume the title after being elected in by the cardinals at the Vatican.
The process was rather speedy with a name being called in two days’ time. The news sparked an immediate fire on social media.
Shedeur Sanders wound up on the wrong end of one of those reactions. His recent NFL Draft tumble was the topic of discussion. As most remember, the Colorado quarterback was once a favorite to go off the board at No. 1 overall. Instead, he slid to the fifth round where he was selected by the Cleveland Browns at No. 144.
It took three days for him to hear his name called. Social media users quickly used that long wait in a comparison to the new Pope.
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) May 8, 2025
The new Pope was decided in 24 hours less time than it took Shedeur Sanders to become an NFL player. It was a shocking contrast given the impact of that most recent decision, as well as the passer’s initial pre-draft outlook.
Sanders has moved on, showing up for his first day of training camp on the same day Pope Leo XIV was introduced. This was far from the only reaction seen online.
The new Pope set the internet on fire.
Dozens of memes were created in response to Robert Prevost’s announcement. He became the first ever American-born Pope in history.
Prevost is from Chicago. He’s a known sports fan that graduated from Villanova. The Wildcats took a victory lap after the fact.
Villanova officially has representation in Vatican City 🇻🇦⛪️ pic.twitter.com/w9VAuAPMBS
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) May 8, 2025
Sports fans continued to post comical responses to the news on X. It was a great day for those turning to the app for lighthearted entertainment.
New stained glass window is currently being installed at St. Peter Basilica pic.twitter.com/2LvPbj8fFE
— Villanova Enthusiast 😺 (@NovaKnowsBall) May 8, 2025
BREAKING: New stained glass has just been installed in St. Peter’s Basilica pic.twitter.com/0TjliaNyWq
— John W. Rich (Wealthy) (@Cokedupoptions) May 8, 2025
While some commented on his US sport fandom, others referenced his Chicago roots. Could we see a remodel in Vatican City with Prevost at the helm?
Vatican City after electing the first American Pope #PopeLeoXIV pic.twitter.com/F3dUTNu5IV
— BroBible (@BroBible) May 8, 2025
New location#Pope #PopeLeoXIV #Chicago #Chicagoproud #Chicago #Chicagopope #Conclave2025 #portillos #portillosHotDog pic.twitter.com/dV1mYa6KkZ
— Rob Antus (@RobAntus) May 9, 2025
Jokes aside, the decision was one that’s never been seen before. Robert Prevost will be the first American-born Pope. He was not the favorite to win the title, but the job is his, nonetheless.
History was made by Pope Leo XIV. Those in the United States couldn’t be happier.
Content shared from brobible.com.