Pope Leo XIV is an avid supporter of the Chicago White Sox and enjoys playing tennis.
However, for many locals in Italy, particularly in the Vatican, his views on sports remain unclear.
Does Leo have an inclination towards any Italian football clubs?
During a private meeting with representatives from Napoli, the newly crowned Italian champions, Leo challenged the presumption that he was a fan of Rome’s team. His remarks indicated he is indeed following the Italian football scene.
As he entered Clementine Hall at the Apostolic Palace, there was a brief pause before guests could applaud, as players and staff from Napoli awaited him.
“Maybe they held back their applause because I’m supposedly a Romanista,” he said, referencing the Roman fans. “What the media reports often isn’t true.”
His predecessor, Pope Francis, hailing from Argentina, was known for supporting the Buenos Aires club San Lorenzo.
Napoli recently secured their fourth Serie A title with a 2-0 win, thanks to goals from Scott Matminai and Romell Lukaku.
During the audience, Napoli’s president Aurelio del Laurentiis gifted Leo a No. 10 shirt, a number famously worn by the legendary Diego Maradona, along with signatures from the entire team.
“You’re at 10th place,” De Laurentiis remarked.
When De Laurentiis introduced Napoli’s director Antonio Conte, the Pope interjected, saying, “I know him from the screen; I’ve seen him many times.”
Conte also manages the Italian national team and has coached clubs like Juventus, Chelsea, and Inter Milan.
Del Laurentiis described Conte as “deeply Catholic,” noting his strong faith and regular prayer habits.
Leo emphasized the “social impact” of Napoli’s victory.
“We understand the significance of football in Italy and worldwide,” he remarked. “In this context, the social value of such achievements far surpasses just the technical aspects of the sport, showcasing a team where individual talents are put aside for the collective good.”
He cautioned that “when sports turn into business, we risk losing the educational essence of the game, potentially leading to issues of uneducation.”
“I urge parents and sports officials to consider the moral quality of competitive sports experiences, as they are crucial for the ethical development of youth,” Leo stated.
This meeting with Napoli occurred less than two weeks after Leo held a private audience with top tennis player Jannik Sinner.
Report by Associated Press.
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Fan Take: This meeting not only highlights Pope Leo XIV’s growing engagement with sports but also signifies a shift in the relationship between religious figures and football culture. For soccer fans, this connection could foster deeper appreciation and respect for the game’s societal impact, emphasizing sports as a unifying force beyond mere competition.
