The Pope welcomes Napoli, champion of Italy: "The Scudetto is a social value"

Pope Leo XIV opens the doors of the Vatican to Napoli, champion of Italy, and does so with words that go beyond the sporting result. In the solemn setting of the Sala Clementina, the Pontiff welcomed the players, technical staff and managers of the Neapolitan club for a private audience the day after the fourth tricolor in the history of the Azzurri. But more than celebrating the goals or the applause, Leo XIV – aka Prevost – wanted to underline the deeper meaning of the success achieved under the guidance of Antonio Conte.

“Winning a championship – said the Pope – it is never the merit of a single exploit or the performance of an individual, but is the result of a long and collective journey. When I speak of a team, I mean everyone: players, coach, staff, management. This is the spirit that makes a sport great and that can also speak to society".

The Holy Father then strongly emphasized the educational and social value of football, especially in an era where business risks suffocating the soul of the game. "When sport becomes just a business, it risks losing those values ​​that make it an educational experience. Indeed, it can become anti-educational. This is why I appeal to parents and sports managers: be vigilant, especially with young people. Sport, if well experienced, contributes to human growth. But if it is distorted, it risks corrupting what it should build."

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The memory of 'Mrs. Rosa', a great fan and her cook

The Pope also wanted to fondly remember "Lady Rosa", a cook and a big fan of Napoli who is preparing his meals these days and who, as he himself said with a smile, “she would have liked to be here with you today, because she is a big fan of yours.” A tender moment that also brought a smile to the faces of the players, who were thrilled by the welcome.

Finally, the Pope closed the meeting with a blessing to the entire team and their families: “Thank you for your visit. Congratulations again! May the Lord bless you all and your families.” On the day Napoli symbolically rose to heaven, its victory took on an even broader meaning, beyond sport and within the soul of a people.