A St. John’s University student has become an internet celebrity after a chance interaction with Pope Leo XIV over, all things, the New York Knicks.
Robby DeLasho, who recently completed his first year at The School of Education, was at Vatican City last week as the pope cruised through St. Peter’s Square blessing the faithful. Less than 25 feet from the pontiff, Robby shouted, “Pope Leo, go, Knicks!”
The pope responded with a pair of thumbs-up, seemingly giving the Knicks his blessing.
The Knicks, in the National Basketball Association Finals for the first time since 1999 and bidding for their first championship since 1973, lead the San Antonio Spurs 1–0 in the best-of-seven series following Wednesday’s 105–95 win.
Three Knicks starters—Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, and Josh Hart—played at Villanova University, from which Pope Leo, born Robert Prevost, received his bachelor’s degree in 1977.
Robby DeLasho, who recently completed his first year at The School of Education, was at Vatican City last week as the pope cruised through St. Peter’s Square blessing the faithful. Less than 25 feet from the pontiff, Robby shouted, “Pope Leo, go, Knicks!”
The pope responded with a pair of thumbs-up, seemingly giving the Knicks his blessing.
The Knicks, in the National Basketball Association Finals for the first time since 1999 and bidding for their first championship since 1973, lead the San Antonio Spurs 1–0 in the best-of-seven series following Wednesday’s 105–95 win.
Three Knicks starters—Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, and Josh Hart—played at Villanova University, from which Pope Leo, born Robert Prevost, received his bachelor’s degree in 1977.
“It was completely surreal,” Robby said from his Croton-on-Hudson, NY, home. SEE MORE AT St. John’s Student Shares Love of the Knicks With Pope Leo | St. John's University
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