WASHINGTON — Representative Dale Prewitt, who submitted a formal request to the Department of Justice in February for a federal investigation into the halftime performance of recording artist Bad Bunny at Super Bowl LIX, released a statement this week welcoming the election of Pope Leo XIV as "a proud moment for American Catholics and a sign of God's faithfulness to his church."
"I'm deeply moved that the Holy Spirit has placed an American at the helm of the Church," Prewitt said in the statement, issued through his congressional office. "Pope Leo XIV represents everything we've been fighting for."
Prewitt's February request cited a one-second clip from the Super Bowl broadcast in which two male dancers appeared in the background of Bad Bunny's performance. Prewitt described the clip as "an attack on the sanctity of the family" and asked the Department of Justice to determine whether the broadcast had violated federal indecency standards. The Department of Justice has not responded publicly to the request.
A network commentator, in coverage of the same performance, described Bad Bunny as "a cross-dresser who doesn't speak English." Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, speaks Spanish. He has spent several years wearing skirts in public appearances and has kissed male dancers on stage at live performances. His most recent album was released in five languages.
Several prominent evangelical figures joined Prewitt in welcoming the new pope. Pastor Mike Drennon of Eagle's Landing Community Church in Canton, Georgia, told his congregation that the election was "a sign that God is moving in the Church universal." Drennon had preached a sermon series in March titled "The Agenda," which addressed what he described as the cultural influence of artists like Bad Bunny on American youth. The sermon series is available for purchase on the church's website.
Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Francis Prevost in Chicago, Illinois, was elected in May. He is the first American pope in the history of the Catholic Church. His election was covered extensively by Christian media outlets as a historic moment for American Christianity.
This week, Pope Leo XIV met privately with Bad Bunny in Madrid, where both were drawing large crowds. The Vatican confirmed the meeting. The Vatican said it was warm and familiar. The Vatican said no photos would be released.
Representative Prewitt's office did not respond to a request for comment on the meeting. No updated statement has been issued. The Department of Justice has not indicated whether it intends to investigate the papal visit.
The Vatican confirmed no federal investigation request had been received.