Jason, Travis Kelce Draw Criticism Over Pope Leo XIV Celibacy Jokes

Travis and Jason Kelce, former NFL players and podcast hosts of 'New Heights,' made humorous remarks about Pope Leo XIV’s celibacy, joking about the difficulty of the Chicago-born pope adhering to the Catholic Church's no-sex rule. Their banter included playful comments on the pope's Chicago roots and famous local sports teams, reflecting both admiration and lighthearted skepticism. Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope and a Chicago native, has a notable background in theology and church leadership, including service in Peru and at the Vatican. Jason Kelce also shared personal updates about his post-retirement struggles with injuries and weight loss. The Kelce brothers’ jokes sparked controversy and risked offending Catholic listeners, given the sensitive nature of their comments about the pope’s celibacy. Despite this, their discussion highlighted the pope's unique profile as a sports fan and his historic election, while blending religious topics with popular culture and personal anecdotes.