Harrison Butker doesn’t speak often, but when he does, it lands heavily. A year after his campus speech sparked headlines, the Kansas City Chiefs‘ kicker is back in the spotlight. This time, he is delivering another strong message as America navigates a major leadership shift. Let’s figure out what it is…..

On May 8, 2025, Robert Francis Prevost made history. He became the first American elected pope, now known as Pope Leo XIV. As obvious, this moment hit differently. St. Peter’s Square was packed on the day, as thousands stood shoulder to shoulder, eyes locked on the balcony. The Chicago native Pope was seen smiling, waving with both hands, and bowing with pure grace. His three simple words sent chills through the crowd: “Peace be with you.” This moment was also felt and celebrated by Butker, as he shared a post on his official Instagram account.

In the post uploaded, Harrison Butker shared a couple of pictures of the Church and the new Pope. With this, he also wrote a strong prayer on Habemus Papam, saying, “O God, the shepherd and ruler of all the faithful, look down favorably upon Thy servant Pope Leo XIV, whom Thou hast been pleased to appoint pastor over Thy Church; grant, we beseech Thee, that he may benefit both by word and example those over whom he is set, and thus attain unto life eternal, together with the flock committed to his care. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.”

No doubt, this touched many fans’ hearts, as one wrote, “Lovely prayer! Hoping Pope Leo’s vestments are a sign of good things to come for the TLM community.” While another one chimed in, saying, “Thank you for this beautiful post.” No doubt, all eyes are now in hope of guidance from the successor of Pope Francis (who died on April 21, 2025, aged 88, after a 12-year papacy).

The Vatican now watches how Pope Leo XIV will lead the Catholic Church. Butker, too, who is on the same path of being a devout Catholic, prays all good for the country and the Church.

Harrison Butker wants to be a saint?

Harrison Butker isn’t just a kicker with ice in his veins and Super Bowl rings to prove it. He’s also a man who wears his Catholic faith on his sleeve—loud, proud, and unshaken. Whether it’s knocking through game-winners in the biggest moments or standing on stages like the one at Benedictine College or a Catholic homeschooling gala in Nashville, he doesn’t just talk football, he also talks faith. And lately, he’s been doing it with even more fire.

After telling female graduates that the world has sold them “diabolical lies” about success and pushing back on gender roles, and more, the internet lit up. Critics have also pounced, and celebrities slammed him. But the Chiefs’ kicker didn’t flinch. He doubled down, as at the Regina Caeli Academy event, he spoke straight from the chest, saying he expected backlash but wouldn’t ever stop speaking truth as he sees it.

He even brought up the examples of saints being thrown to lions and reminded everyone that pleasing Christ matters more than fitting in. To him, being “disliked” is a small price. He’s made peace with being polarizing, and he’s not walking it back. Instead, he’s urging others to stand tall in faith, to take heat with grace, and to never trade truth for popularity. That’s why he said, “Our love for Jesus and thus our desire to speak out should never be outweighed by the longing of our fallen nature to be loved by the world. Glorifying God and not ourselves should always remain our motivation, despite any pushback or even support. I lean on those closest to me for guidance, but I can never forget that it is not people, but Jesus Christ, whom I am trying to please.”

His devotion won the hearts of the Catholic leaders, despite the world was pelting stones at him for his controversial takes on women. From bishops to big voices in the Church, they called his words bold and honest. But for Butker, that wasn’t about headlines. It was about heaven and God. That’s the reason he mentioned, “I want to be a saint. And that’s the most important thing, and that’s why I’m here on this earth.” Well, he might be chasing that goal harder than any field goal he’s ever kicked!