VATICAN CITY – Pope Leo XIV made headlines on Saturday as he welcomed the basketball teams from Villanova University and the University of Notre Dame, both esteemed Catholic institutions, during their visit to Rome for the season opener. In a light-hearted address to an enthusiastic audience of 7,000 players, coaches, fans, and families, the pontiff humorously stated that he remains neutral in matters of sport, despite his personal ties to Villanova.
The pope, born Robert Prevost, acknowledged the irony of his statement, saying, “Prevost has another opinion, but we won’t do that now,” prompting laughter from the crowd. This charming moment set the tone for the event, which has been aptly dubbed the Eternal City Tip-Off, honoring the first American pope.
The Villanova and Notre Dame teams were in Rome to kick off the U.S. college basketball season, with a doubleheader scheduled for Sunday at the Palazzo dello Sport, a venue with a capacity of 11,000, located about a half-hour from the Vatican.
Despite recent health concerns following lung cancer surgery on October 13, the 71-year-old pope was determined to keep the appointment, showcasing his commitment to both his alma mater and the sport he loves. Leo graduated from Villanova in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics, and his roots in Chicago connect him to Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.
During the audience, Pope Leo XIV demonstrated his playful side by dribbling a golden basketball presented to him by the Villanova women’s team. The Notre Dame players also presented him with a jersey and another golden ball, leading him to humorously pose for photos and engage with both teams. He held a banner from the Fighting Irish that read, “Pope Leo, Play like a champion today,” a nod to the famous Notre Dame slogan.
While acknowledging the rivalry, he made sure to give equal time to Villanova, performing the Wildcats’ “V” gesture as chants of “Let’s Go ‘Nova” echoed through the hall. The pope’s ability to connect with both teams underscored the spirit of camaraderie and competition.
Switching from Italian to English, Pope Leo reflected on his Chicago upbringing, reminiscing about the local support for Notre Dame. He humorously noted, “But as you all know, Prevost graduated from Villanova,” reiterating his neutrality as pope while acknowledging his past.
In his prepared remarks, he encouraged the teams and their supporters to view sports as a pathway to saintliness, stating, “No one is born a champion, just as no one is born a saint.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining respectful rivalries and urged fans to connect beyond their competitive spirit, hoping they would get to know one another during their time in Rome.
Addressing the significance of the event falling on All Saints’ Day, Leo highlighted that the church teaches Christians to pursue holiness in all aspects of life, including sports. “Our true goal, beyond emerging victorious in any one event, is to win the prize of everlasting life,” he remarked, encapsulating the deeper values sports can promote.
Throughout history, popes have recognized the role of sports in fostering physical and spiritual growth. Pope Leo XIV echoed this sentiment, referring to sports as a “school of fraternity” that nurtures friendship, respect, and teamwork. However, he also cautioned against the detrimental effects of a win-at-all-cost mentality, which can lead to issues such as doping and match-fixing.
Leaders from both universities expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to gather in Rome. The Rev. Robert Dowd, president of Notre Dame, acknowledged Villanova’s unique advantage with the pope as an alumnus but stressed the importance of the occasion itself, describing it as “amazing.” He noted the pope’s role as a bridge-builder in fostering community among fans.
Villanova’s president, the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, expressed pride in the pope’s connection to the university, emphasizing that the highlight of the trip was the audience with Pope Leo XIV, regardless of the game’s outcome. “Tomorrow we will cheer, we will compete, but today we are simply grateful,” he said.
Prior to the audience, Philadelphia Archbishop Nelson Perez celebrated a private Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica for the traveling fans, which included elements of a traditional papal Mass, further enriching the experience for attendees.
Pope Leo XIV, an avid sports fan known for his support of the Chicago White Sox and interest in basketball, has expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming games. Reflecting on the anticipated turnout, he quipped, “They tell me that the people coming to the match, 90% are Villanova and 10% Notre Dame, so the voice of the people of God will be very strong on the Villanova side.”
