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After days of celebrations in Naples, the city's champion soccer team visited the Vatican for a papal audience. On May 27, players and coaches from Napoli met with Pope Leo XIV in the Clementine Hall.
In a video released by Vatican Media, the team appeared unsure of the protocol as scattered applause began when Pope Leo entered. "Maybe they did not want to applaud because the press says that I am a 'Romanista,'" Pope Leo remarked. "Not everything you read in the press is true!"
The meeting followed Napoli's victory over Cagliari on May 23, which secured their Serie A championship title. During his address, Pope Leo highlighted the significance of dedication and teamwork in achieving such success. He emphasized that it involved not only players and coaches but also trainers and other staff members.
Pope Leo noted that soccer's popularity in Italy makes this achievement an important example of "the talents of individuals being placed at the service of the whole." He extended congratulations from Signora Rosa, a Neapolitan woman who cooks for him and wished to convey her best wishes to the team.
During the event, Pope Leo XIV greeted Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay as part of their celebratory visit following their championship win.
