Peyton Manning Invites Pope Leo XIV to Join “Manning Cast”

During the Bears vs. Vikings game on Monday night, Peyton Manning shared a handwritten letter from Pope Leo XIV and his assistant, inviting “his holiness” to be a guest on ESPN’s “Manning Cast.”

In the game’s third quarter at Soldier Field, Manning mentioned that they were unable to secure Pope Leo as one of the four guests.

“We couldn’t close the Pope when we didn’t recruit Randy Moss from Tennessee,” Manning joked. “But I’ve put in an effort, Eli. That’s the kind of energy we bring to ESPN2.”

“I really tried… Look at these two handwritten letters. I wrote to him directly as well as to his executive assistant… I did my best. Your holiness, the invitation is open whenever you wish to join us,” he continued.

The two Super Bowl champions displayed the letters related to the ESPN2 broadcast.

Manning also mentioned that Pope Leo is on a list of desired guests for the show, which includes celebrities like Tiger Woods, Bradley Cooper, former President George Bush, and Larry David.

“You’re on our most wanted list, always a top pick for ‘Manning Cast.’ I wholeheartedly recommend you, your holiness,” he added.

Notably, actor Bill Murray, Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, and Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss made appearances on “The Manning Cast” that night.

Pope Leo XIV is set to preside over a sacred mass and canonization ceremony for Carlo Acquitis and Pier Giorgio Frassati at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican on September 7, 2025.

This invitation follows Pope Leo receiving a custom jersey from Manning’s alma mater, the University of Tennessee, just last week.

The Vikings won the game, 27-24.

Pope Leo, a Villanova supporter, is also known to be a White Sox fan.

The Bears are set to face the Commanders on “Monday Night Football” on October 13th. Manning did not indicate whether he plans to reach out to Pope Leo again regarding a guest spot on “Manning Cast.”