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 ," the Pope said, " is never the result of a single feat or the performance of an individual, but is the fruit of a long, 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 forcefully emphasized the educational and social value of football , especially in an era when business risks stifling the soul of the game. "When sport becomes just a business, it risks losing the values that make it a learning experience. Indeed, it can become counter-educational. This is why I appeal to parents and sports leaders: 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."
The memory of 'Mrs. Rosa', a great fan and her cook
The Pope also fondly remembered "Lady Rosa ," a cook and Napoli fan who has been preparing his meals these days. He smiled as he said, "She would have liked to be here with you today because she's a big fan of yours." It was a tender moment that also brought a smile to the faces of the players, who were thrilled by the welcome.
Finally, the Pope concluded the meeting with a blessing for 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 ascended to heaven, its victory took on an even broader meaning, beyond sport and within the soul of a people.
The article is interesting but there are many details that are not clear. It is nice to see that the Pope speaks about values, but I do not know if football can really have an impact on society. The words of the Pope seem good but in practice what changes?
I do not agree that football can be educational. We often see only scandals and corruption in the sports world. The Pope's words are beautiful, but the reality is very different.
It is true that football unites people, but we must also see the negative things that exist in this sport. The Pope is right to say to be vigilant, but who really does it?