Camilla Jessen
Serie A winners Napoli were welcomed at the Vatican by Pope Leo XIV.
Fresh off their championship celebrations, Napoli’s football stars made a special stop at the Vatican this Tuesday, where they were received by Pope Leo XIV.
While formal in tone, the gathering was filled with lighthearted moments, including a joke about the Pope’s rumored allegiance to rival club AS Roma.
The audience, which came just a day after the club’s euphoric victory parade through Naples, saw players, coaches, and club officials meet with the pontiff in an atmosphere of mutual respect and joy.
This was reported by Digi24
“You’re Welcome, Even If I’m a Roma Fan”
Smiling as he addressed the group, Pope Leo XIV quipped:
The press says I’m an AS Roma fan, but you’re welcome! Not everything you read in the press is true.
The comment drew laughter from the group and set the tone for a relaxed and meaningful exchange.
The team was led by captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo and accompanied by club president Aurelio De Laurentiis, who presented the Pope with a signed Napoli jersey bearing the number 10 and the inscription “Papa Leone XIV.”
“You are number 10, so you are a great striker,” said De Laurentiis, handing over the shirt.
The Pope chuckled and replied with a modest “thank you.”
Coach Conte Shows Respect
Antonio Conte, recently appointed head coach and described by De Laurentiis as “deeply Catholic,” showed a more traditional gesture of respect by kneeling and kissing the Pope’s hand.
In his brief speech to the team, Pope Leo emphasized the values that sport can instill—particularly teamwork, discipline, and its educational potential for young people.
“Sport teaches us that we don’t win alone. Team spirit is essential,” he said.
In a personal touch, the Pope also mentioned his chef by name—Mrs. Rosa—a Neapolitan herself and, as he noted, a passionate Napoli supporter.
“She would like to be here too,” he added with a smile. “Mrs. Rosa is a great fan.”
To conclude the audience, Pope Leo XIV offered his blessing to the team and club staff, congratulating them not just for their success on the pitch, but for representing their city with pride and passion.