Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Pope Leo Hosts Napoli at Vatican After Serie A Triumph

The pontiff highlighted sports’ educational role, warning that commercial pressures erode its values

Pope Leo XIV meets with Napoli player Scott McTominay after Serie A title victory, at the Vatican, May 27, 2025.    Simone Risoluti/Vatican Media/­Handout via REUTERS
Pope Leo XIV meets with SSC Napoli players and managers after Serie A title victory, at the Vatican, May 27, 2025.   Simone Risoluti/Vatican Media/­Handout via REUTERS
Pope Leo XIV meets with SSC Napoli players and managers after Serie A title victory, at the Vatican, May 27, 2025.   Simone Risoluti/Vatican Media/­Handout via REUTERS
Pope Leo XIV meets with SSC Napoli players and managers after Serie A title victory, at the Vatican, May 27, 2025.   Simone Risoluti/Vatican Media/­Handout via REUTERS

Overview

  • Napoli visited the Vatican on May 27 after clinching their fourth Serie A title with a 2-0 victory over Cagliari on May 23 and holding a celebratory bus parade in Naples.
  • Pope Leo jokingly challenged media reports of his AS Roma support, telling the champions that not everything in the press is true.
  • Chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis presented the pope with a signed No. 10 Napoli jersey bearing “Papa Leone XIV.”
  • The pontiff praised collective effort over individual exploits, saying championships are won by teams that prioritize the common good.
  • De Laurentiis introduced coach Antonio Conte as “deeply Catholic,” and Conte knelt to kiss the pope’s hand during the audience.