Napoli Champions Meet Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican

The Italian soccer champions, SSC Napoli, were received in a private audience by Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on May 27, 2025. The team, led by President Aurelio De Laurentiis, presented the Pope with a unique gift: a Napoli jersey bearing the number 10, retired in honor of Diego Maradona, and personalized with the inscription 'Papa Leone XIV' and the signatures of all the players. The Pope, visibly pleased, expressed his appreciation for the team's accomplishment and their unifying spirit. "We know how popular soccer is in Italy, and indeed, practically throughout the world," the Pope stated in his address to the team, highlighting the social significance of the event. The meeting symbolizes the positive impact of sports and the shared values of teamwork and community. This event will be remembered as a remarkable moment of unity and celebration.