Overview

• Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, was elected as the first U.S. Pope and is a Villanova University alumnus.
• Knicks stars Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges also attended Villanova, creating a unique connection between the team and the new Pope.
• Head coach Tom Thibodeau joked that the Pope’s Villanova ties might mean his players can now be 'forgiven for their sins.'
• Jalen Brunson called the Pope’s connection 'really cool' but emphasized his focus remains on the Knicks’ playoff series against the Celtics.
• The Knicks hold a surprising 2-0 lead over the heavily favored Celtics as they prepare for Game 3 at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.