With their team up 2-0 on the Celtics, Knicks fans are fired up.\u00a0<\/p>\n
But after learning of the new pope\u2019s Villanova ties, they believe something special is going on.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Cardinal Robert Frances Prevost, a Chicago native who attended Villanova University, was voted in as the first pope from the United States<\/a> on Thursday, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.<\/p>\n The former Wildcat\u2019s selection set off a frenzy on social media with the Knicks \u2014 led by the Villanova trio of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart \u2014 two wins away from a massive upset over Boston in the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs.\u00a0<\/p>\n The newly elected Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV is seen for the first time from the Vatican balcony on May 8, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. Getty Images<\/p>\n \u201cThe new Pope is an American who went to Villanova?\u201d @Thibadome wrote on X<\/a>. \u201cThis really is the Knicks\u2019 year.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNew pope went to Villanova,\u201d Andrew Schulz said<\/a>. \u201cKnicks in 4.\u201d<\/p>\n Left to right: Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges won a championship together in Villanova. Getty Images<\/p>\n Some even scoured Pope Leo XIV\u2019s X account, finding posts from 2016 about the Wildcats\u2019 NCAA title run.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cIn 2016, Robert Prevost (now newly named POPE LEO XIV) reposted an article about Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges (and Donte DiVincenzo) leading Villanova to a Championship,\u201d @KnicksMemes wrote alongside a screenshot of a re-post from Pope Leo XIV. \u201cKnicks have the blessing of the Holy Father.\u201d<\/p>\n The two shocking wins in Boston have others floating the potential Divine Intervention.\u00a0<\/p>\n In 2016, Robert Prevost (now newly named POPE LEO XIV) reposted an article about Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges (and Donte DiVincenzo) leading Villanova to a Championship<\/p>\n Knicks have the blessing of the Holy Father pic.twitter.com\/SlgP1TAUTB<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Knicks Memes (@KnicksMemes) May 8, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n Josh Hart #3, Mikal Bridges #25 and Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks high five during the game against the Boston Celtics during Round 2 Game 2 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 7, 2025 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n \u201cThe new pope went to Villanova!\u201d The Athletic\u2019s Nicole Auerbach wrote on X<\/a>. \u201cThis totally explains what\u2019s happening with the Knicks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2018May the Knicks win the NBA title and Villanova reign supreme amongst all colleges\u2019\u201d @CynicalNYK wrote with a photo of the pope.\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t