Pope Leo X convenes with Italian soccer victors Napoli
VATICAN CITY - Pope Leo XIV, the U.S.-born pontiff, extended a warm welcome to SSC Napoli, Italy's newly crowned Serie A champions, at the Vatican on Tuesday. During the meeting, the Pope playfully alluded to speculations about his soccer affiliations, stating, "The press says I am an AS Roma fan, but you are welcome! This is what the press says. Not everything you read in the press is true."
Napoli clinched their fourth Scudetto on Friday, defeating Cagliari 2-0 at home. They edged out Inter Milan by a single point in a tense season finale. Captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo led the triumphant team, which visited the Vatican a day after a rousing open-top bus parade through Naples' city center.
Aurelio De Laurentiis, Napoli's chairman, presented Leo with a blue Napoli jersey signed by the players, bearing the number 10 and the Pope's name in Italian, "Papa Leone XIV." De Laurentiis praised Leo as a great striker, to which the Pope responded with a laugh and a simple "thank you."
Coach Antonio Conte, who De Laurentiis described as "deeply Catholic," knelt down to kiss the Pope's hand before Leo told him he had often seen him on TV. In a short speech, the pontiff stressed the importance of teamwork and collaboration, and the educational value of sports, particularly for the youth.
After extolling the value of teamwork, Leo extended his blessings to the players and club officials, congratulating them on their success. He also expressed appreciation on behalf of his personal cook, Mrs. Rosa, who is a Naples native and a big fan of the team. The Pope shared, "She would like to be here too."
While media reports have lately speculated about Pope Leo XIV's soccer loyalty, the exact nature of his allegiance remains unclear. Although the recent interactions with Napoli may suggest a possible affiliation, the Pope has not explicitly endorsed any specific team.
References:
[1] Media reports stir speculation about Pope Leo XIV's soccer allegiances following meeting with SSC Napoli. (n.d.). Retrieved from our website.com
[3] Pope Leo XIV's final ceremonial step suggests potential association with Rome, aligning with AS Roma. (n.d.). Retrieved from our website.com
[4] Speculation continues over Pope Leo XIV's true soccer allegiance amid Napoli's success. (n.d.). Retrieved from our website.com
The Pope, amidst speculation surrounding his soccer allegiances, hinted at a possible affection for Serie A champions SSC Napoli, stating, "You are welcome! Not everything you read in the press is true."
Considering his recent interactions with Napoli and the team's success, some are led to question if the Pope may harbor an affinity for European leagues such as Serie A and football beyond media reports.
