Pope Leo XIV Meets Italian Football Champions: A Meeting of Faith and Victory

Vatican City hosted the players of SSC Napoli, the Italian football champions, for a special audience with Pope Leo XIV. The meeting, held on Tuesday, May 27th, 2025, at the Vatican, was filled with warmth and humor. Upon entering the hall, the Pope lightheartedly addressed a slight delay in applause, joking, "Perhaps they didn't want to applaud because the media says I'm a Roma fan." He then added, "That's what the press says. Not everything you read in the press is true." The Napoli team presented the Pope with a signed number 10 jersey, a gesture met with smiles and appreciation. The Pope spoke about the importance of football and the joy it brings to the city of Naples. The event showcased a blend of faith, sportsmanship, and lightheartedness, leaving a positive and memorable impression.