Football Legend Lou Holtz Urges Catholics to 'Defend and Encourage' Pope Leo XIV

With the historic appointment of Pope Leo XIV, renowned college football coach Lou Holtz has delivered a heartfelt message to Catholics worldwide, urging unity and support for the new pontiff as he begins his papal leadership.

Holtz, who emphasized his lifelong devotion to Catholicism and his years serving as an altar boy, reflected on both the traditions of selecting a pope and the gravity of the role. “You never know about the pope, because he isn’t infallible. He’s infallible when it comes to religious decisions, and we’re taught to respect him, pray for him, and listen to him,” Holtz noted, referencing the church’s doctrine on papal infallibility in matters of faith and morals.

The legendary coach called for a spirit of encouragement and loyalty among the faithful. “I hope this pope will be a very, very good one, but I do know this: He is our pope. We must defend him, we must encourage him, we must pray for him, and we must help him.” Holtz also addressed concerns about declining church participation and giving, suggesting that disagreements with past papacies may play a part in waning support. Nonetheless, he insisted that respect for the papacy transcends personal opinions:

• “The church has financial obligations like anything else. So, whether you like the pope or not, is irrelevant. He’s our pope. You must respect him, pray for him, and care about him at the same time, accept the decisions he makes.”

As attention turns to Pope Leo XIV—born Cardinal Robert Prevost and now the first American pope—questions have arisen about the direction in which he might lead the global church. Louis Prevost, the pope’s brother known for his conservative views, rejected claims that the newly elected pontiff would be a “woke” successor to Pope Francis. He characterized Pope Leo as thoughtful and non-partisan, explaining, “He looks at the whole scene, takes information from both sides, and somehow finds a way to go down the middle and not ruffle too many feathers.”

Addressing the pope’s previously expressed concerns regarding former President Donald Trump’s handling of the migrant crisis, Louis Prevost stressed that while Pope Leo might have disagreed with certain methods, respect for legal processes remained important. “You still have to follow the rules of the law,” he said.

Holtz, a well-known supporter of Trump, has drawn parallels between his support for political and religious leaders, emphasizing the value of prayer and loyalty regardless of personal preferences. In closing, Holtz underscored the reciprocal nature of this relationship: “I promise you, I will pray for the pope because I know the pope’s also going to pray for me and pray for the choices he makes in the best interest of this country.”

As Pope Leo XIV embarks on his papacy, prominent voices such as Lou Holtz’s highlight the importance of unity, tradition, and prayerful support at this pivotal moment for the Catholic Church.