Pope Leo XIV met with players and management from Inter Milan, the champions of this season's Italian Serie A, during a private audience at the Vatican on Saturday, May 9. The Pontiff addressed the newly crowned Italian champions, sharing in the joy of their sporting achievement while urging them to reflect on their experience and deliver a meaningful message to young people.
Pope's Message to Inter Milan
"Many of them, at this time, look to you as their heroes, as role models to emulate, and this entrusts you with a responsibility that goes beyond performance and calls upon you, as sportsmen, to be witnesses to values," the Pope said. He recalled Inter's 1991 meeting with Saint John Paul II, who highlighted the club's role in Italian football history and entrusted players with a responsibility to ensure that many people recognize authenticity and unwavering integrity in their conduct.
Blessing and Gift
Inter's president and chief executive Giuseppe Marotta, vice president Javier Zanetti, owners Oaktree, the board, the manager, the squad, and the entire staff received the Pope's blessing during the meeting. Marotta presented the Pope with a historic personalized Inter shirt bearing the number 10 and the name LEONE XIV.
