Pope Leo XIV meets Jannik Sinner at Vatican
Vatican City, May 14 (UNI) Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday received World No. 1 tennis player Jannik Sinner in a private audience at the Vatican, amid the ongoing 2025 Italian Open in Rome.
According to the Holy See Press Office, the 23-year-old Italian star was accompanied by his family and the President of the Italian Tennis Federation, Alberto Binaghi, during the meeting held in rooms adjoining the Paul VI Hall.
The encounter reflected a personal and cultural touch as Sinner, in a light-hearted moment, offered a tennis ball to the Holy Father and asked, "Do you want to play?" Pope Leo XIV, smiling, replied, "Here we'll break something. Best not to!"
Vatican Media footage of the meeting has since gone viral, highlighting the pontiff's well-known affection for tennis. Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, became the first American pope upon his election on May 8.
The 2025 Italian Open, officially the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, is currently being held at Rome's Foro Italico, featuring top international and Italian tennis players. The tournament began on May 7 and concludes on May 18. UNI BDN SSP
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