Pope Leo XIV welcomed Italy’s newly topped Serie A champions Napoli to the Vatican on Tuesday, joking about his personal soccer allegiances.
Napoli received their fourth “Scudetto” on Friday with a 2-0 dwelling victory over Cagliari, edging out Inter Milan by one level in a nail-biting finish to the season.
The crew, captained by Italy worldwide Giovanni Di Lorenzo, arrived for his or her papal viewers a day after a triumphant open-top bus parade by means of central Naples.
“The press says I’m an AS Roma fan, however you might be welcome! That is what the press says. Not all the pieces you learn within the press is true,” the pope stated, in line with a transcript.
Leo, the primary pope to return from the U.S., follows and performs sport, together with tennis. Individuals who know him have described him to the media as an AS Roma supporter.
Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis gave him a blue Napoli jersey signed by gamers, bearing the No. 10 and his title in Italian, “Papa Leone XIV.”
“You’re a No. 10, so you’re a nice striker,” De Laurentiis stated. Leo replied with a chuckle and a easy “thanks.”
Coach Antonio Conte, whom De Laurentiis launched as “deeply Catholic,” knelt down and kissed the Pope’s hand, earlier than Leo instructed him he had seen him many occasions on TV.
In a brief speech, the pontiff harassed the significance of crew spirit and collaboration, and sport’s academic worth, particularly for younger folks.
Successful comes “on the finish of a protracted journey, the place what issues probably the most is just not a one-time exploit or the extraordinary efficiency of 1 champion”, he stated.
“The championship is received by the crew, and after I say ‘crew’ I imply the gamers, the coach with the entire squad, and the membership,” he added.
Leo ended his remarks giving his blessings to gamers and membership officers, and providing congratulations, additionally on behalf of his private cook dinner.
“She is from Naples and he or she says: greatest needs! She wish to be right here too, Mrs Rosa, [she is] an enormous fan,” the Pope stated.
