Soccer-Pope Leo meets Italian Serie A champions Napoli

Pope Leo XIV met with Napoli’s soccer team at the Vatican on Tuesday to celebrate their Serie A victory. Napoli clinched the title, known as the "Scudetto" after beating Cagliari, finishing just one point ahead of Inter Milan.

Despite rumors that he's a fan of AS Roma, the pope joked, "Not everything you read in the press is true", and warmly welcomed the Napoli team.

Club chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis gifted the pope a signed Napoli jersey with the number 10 and his name, "Papa Leone XIV". He praised the pope as a top player, calling him a “great striker”, which made Leo laugh and thank him.

Coach Antonio Conte, introduced as a “deeply Catholic” man, knelt and kissed the pope’s hand. Leo recognized him, saying he had seen him on TV many times.

In a brief speech, the pope emphasized teamwork and how sports teach values, especially to young people. He said winning a championship is about collective effort, not just star players.

Before wrapping up, Pope Leo gave his blessings and shared a message from his cook, Mrs. Rosa, a huge Napoli fan from Naples who sent her best wishes too.

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