Pope Francis alluded to divine assistance in the New York Knicks' recent championship run, suggesting a connection between the team's success and his alma mater, Villanova University. The Pope made these remarks while hosting a group of writers in Vatican City to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Vatican Publishing House.
Jonathan Safran Foer, author of "Everything Is Illuminated," presented the Pontiff with a New York Knicks yarmulke. According to an observer at the event, Pope Francis noted that the team's best players originated from Villanova, adding that he also attended the university. Foer then quipped that some believe the team had "special" help, to which the Pope reportedly responded, "Maybe they did."
This exchange occurred during an event that included Pulitzer Prize winners Elizabeth Strout and Marilynne Robinson, National Book Award winner Colum McCann, and Nobel laureate Jon Fosse. One attendee described the scene as potentially inspiring a novel or a comedic television episode.
A Difficult Gift to Obtain
The yarmulke itself proved a challenging gift to procure. The observer noted that Knicks yarmulkes had sold out rapidly following the team's winning streak. Foer reportedly purchased the skullcap from a child on the street, offering $50 and stating it was "for the Pope," but the child declined to negotiate.
The Knicks' core players Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges were all part of the Villanova team that won NCAA championships in 2016 and 2018. Hart was present for the first championship, while Brunson and Bridges were there for both.
This is not the first instance suggesting a papal interest in the Knicks. Earlier this month, a fan shouted "Let's Go Knicks!" as Pope Francis passed in his Popemobile in Rome, and the Pope appeared to give a thumbs-up.
During the event, Pope Francis encouraged the writers to "create spaces of freedom and authenticity within which divine grace can make the promise of consolation and peace resound," emphasizing the need for their "imagination, your narrative creativity and your lively thinking."