Knicks get huge update on Pope Leo XIV watching their Villanova-fueled playoff run

Pope Leo XIV is certainly a very busy man.

The newly named leader of the Roman Catholic Church, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, must be lined up with things to accomplish in these early days of his papacy.

But if he wants, when night falls on Saturday in the Vatican, the New York Knicks will be playing the Boston Celtics at 3:40 p.m. ET in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semis. And given all the Villanova connections going around, it might be fun viewing for the new pope.

A leader at Villanova, where the pope graduated from in 1977, suggested Pope Leo XIV might just be following along.

“We’ve had a lot of fun watching the Knicks because Jalen (Brunson) and Josh (Hart) and Donte (DiVincenzo) was there and now Mikal (Bridges) is there,” Rev. Robert P. Hagan, a senior associate athletic director at Villanova, told The Athletic. “I think that Pope Leo will still keep an eye on the Nova Knicks. I think he’ll still keep an eye on the Wildcats, and I think he’ll be very proud of not just who they are but the way that they play with a certain spirit and unselfishness.”

MORE: Timberwolves make huge Anthony Edwards injury announcement

There have been plenty of Knicks fans pumped about the connection of their players to the new pope through Villanova.

New York has gotten off to a 2-0 series lead with both wins including a 20-point comeback.

Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau had a different thought on the matter.

"Now they can be forgiven for their sins," he said after the papal announcement.

Whether the pope is paying attention or not, the Knicks have a real chance to knock off the defending champs.

Madison Square Garden will be rocking on Saturday, and the MSG faithful will be hoping to have a bit of the divine on their side.

MORE: Cavs' Darius Garland: 'Y'all don't understand what I'm going through'