Pope Leo XIV's Trainer: "No One Knew He Was a Cardinal at the Gym"

A personal trainer in Rome was taken by surprise when he found out that his client "Robert" was actually Pope Leo XIV. For almost two years at the gym, no one suspected that he was a cardinal. According to the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero, Valerio Masella had been training Robert Prevost for two years without realizing his true identity. He thought Prevost might be an academic or a professor, but never imagined he was a cardinal.

Prevost attended the gym regularly and maintained excellent physical health, as noted by the 26-year-old trainer. "For someone his age, his physical condition is outstanding, similar to someone who has never stopped exercising, with an excellent balance of muscle, bone, and fat mass," Masella remarked.

Masella shared that the current Pope was enrolled at the training center for almost two years and was very consistent with his workouts. "He was quite dedicated to his training. I followed him from the start. He was punctual, coming twice a week, sometimes even three times, depending on his other commitments," Masella revealed.

Pope Leo XIV typically trained in the mornings, staying for an hour—"the right amount for a good workout." His routine started with aerobic exercises, followed by various machines, the treadmill, or even the stationary bike. Prevost was described as reserved, speaking little, yet always friendly and smiling.

"I thought he was a professor, an academic, or something along those lines. Certainly, someone who spent hours at a desk, although his physical parameters were excellent. He had a remarkable balance of muscle, bone, and fat. In short, very respectable parameters, and he also had a lot of physical endurance," the young trainer added.

This past Sunday, Pope Leo XIV led the inaugural mass of his pontificate in St. Peter's Square, calling for love, church unity, and world peace. The event began with the traditional procession of the Holy Father in his popemobile through the square, where he greeted thousands of faithful, as reported by Vatican News.

The Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, chosen after the passing of Pope Francis, has Cuban roots, as revealed by a recent genealogical study. The findings show that one of his direct ancestors was born in Havana in the 18th century, establishing an unexpected link between the new Vatican leader and the history of the Island.

Pope Leo XIV's connection to Cuba extends beyond ancestry. Before becoming Pope, Prevost visited the Island several times, celebrated masses, engaged with the faithful, and met with Cuban bishops to discuss pastoral challenges.