Peyton Manning Invites Pope Leo XIV To ManningCast With Handwritten Letters

Peyton Manning made a notable effort to invite Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native and sports fan, to appear on the ManningCast, an alternative Monday Night Football broadcast co-hosted with his brother Eli. Manning personally wrote handwritten letters to both the Pope and his executive assistant, extending an open invitation alongside other high-profile potential guests such as Tiger Woods, Bradley Cooper, and President Bush. Despite these efforts, the Pope did not join the show during the Week 1 Bears versus Vikings game, which featured guests like Bill Murray, Saquon Barkley, and Randy Moss. Pope Leo XIV, who became the first American pope in May 2025, is known for his Chicago sports fandom, particularly for the White Sox and Bears, and has been embraced by the city's sports culture. Manning's outreach highlights his creative and bold approach to guest bookings, aiming to blend cultural and sporting worlds. The ManningCast continues to seek unique guests, with the Pope remaining on the wish list for a future appearance.