On May 27, 2025, Pope Leo XIV hosted Italy’s newly crowned Serie A champions, SSC Napoli, at the Vatican, celebrating their recent triumph and emphasizing the moral and educational values of sport. The meeting took place in the Apostolic Palace’s Clementine Hall, just days after Napoli secured their fourth Scudetto title with a 2–0 victory over Cagliari, edging out Inter Milan by a single point.
A Warm Welcome and Lighthearted Banter
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff and known sports enthusiast, greeted the team with humor, addressing media speculation about his football allegiances. “The press says I am an AS Roma fan, but you are welcome! This is what the press says. Not everything you read in the press is true,” he remarked, eliciting laughter from the attendees.
Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis presented the Pope with a personalized Napoli jersey bearing the number 10 and the name “Papa Leone XIV,” symbolizing the legendary status of the number in the club’s history. “You are a number 10, so you are a great striker,” De Laurentiis quipped, to which the Pope responded with a chuckle and a … .”
Emphasis on Teamwork and Moral Values
In his address, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the importance of collective effort in achieving success. “The championship is won by the team … ,’ I mean the players, the … stated. He praised Napoli’s unity and collaboration, noting that their victory serves as an example of how individual talents can be harmonized for the common good.
The Pope also addressed the broader societal impact of sports, cautioning against the commercialization of athletic endeavors. “When sports become a business, it risks losing the values that make it educational, and it can actually become un-educational,” he warned. He urged parents and sports officials to focus on the moral quality of the sporting experience, emphasizing its role in the human development of young people.
Personal Connections and Blessings
Coach Antonio Conte, introduced by De Laurentiis as “deeply Catholic,” knelt to kiss the Pope’s hand, a gesture of respect. Pope Leo acknowledged Conte’s presence, noting, “I know him from the (TV) screen; I’ve seen him many times.”
Concluding the audience, Pope Leo XIV extended his blessings to the team and their families. He also conveyed congratulations from his Neapolitan cook, Rosa, a devoted Napoli fan. “She says: ‘Congratulations!’ … that’s from Rosa, a big fan,” he shared, adding a personal touch to the celebration.
This meeting underscored the intersection of faith, sport, and community, highlighting the role of athletic achievement in promoting unity and moral development.
