The Leo Chronicles: The beautiful game

Vatican

The Leo Chronicles

by Pat Marrin

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July 21, 2026

The Leo Chronicles cartoons can be found here.

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This story appears in the World Cup 2026 feature series. View the full series.

In This Series

Vatican, The Leo Chronicles

The Leo Chronicles: The beautiful game

ByPat Marrin

Spain's Lamine Yamal (19) and Argentina's Lionel Messi (10) embrace after during the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., near New York, Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP/Seth Wenig)

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The Leo Chronicles: The beautiful game

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Most Read Stories

#1 Traditionalist Catholics face a difficult choice after Vatican cuts off breakaway group

#2 In plans for 'Amoris Laetitia' meeting, Pope Leo continues to show his hand

#3 Tech billionaire Peter Thiel takes on popes, delves into end-times theology

#4 Pope Leo shares meal with vulnerable guests at Castel Gandolfo

In This Series

The Leo Chronicles: The beautiful game

What remains after the World Cup ends

Argentina's World Cup title run becomes a moment of faith for fans, players and clergy

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#1
Traditionalist Catholics face a difficult choice after Vatican cuts off breakaway group

#2
In plans for 'Amoris Laetitia' meeting, Pope Leo continues to show his hand

#3
Tech billionaire Peter Thiel takes on popes, delves into end-times theology

#4
Pope Leo shares meal with vulnerable guests at Castel Gandolfo