Pope Leo Welcomes Napoli After Serie A Triumph
TDT | Manama
Napoli, fresh from clinching their fourth Serie A title, were warmly received by Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Tuesday. The visit, coming a day after a jubilant open-top bus parade in Naples, saw the pontiff share laughs and blessings with the squad that edged out Inter Milan to claim the Scudetto.
A Papal Celebration
Napoli secured the Italian championship with a 2-0 win over Cagliari on Friday, pipping Inter by a single point in a thrilling finale. Led by captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo, the team arrived at the Vatican in high spirits, greeted by a pope known for his love of sport. Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, playfully addressed rumours about his loyalties, saying, 'The press says I'm an AS Roma fan, but you are welcome! Not everything you read is true.'
Gifts and Goodwill
Club chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis presented Pope Leo with a signed Napoli shirt, emblazoned with 'Papa Leone XIV' and the number 10. 'You are a number 10, a great striker,' De Laurentiis quipped, prompting a chuckle and a modest 'thank you' from the pontiff. The light-hearted exchange continued as manager Antonio Conte, described as 'deeply Catholic,' knelt to kiss the pope's hand, with Leo noting he'd seen Conte's fiery touchline antics on television.
Team Spirit Praised
In a brief address, Pope Leo emphasized the value of teamwork, calling Napoli's success the result of collective effort rather than individual heroics. 'The championship is won by the team—players, coach, the whole squad, and the club,' he said, highlighting sport's role in teaching collaboration and discipline, especially for young fans. He also shared a nod to his Neapolitan cook, Mrs. Rosa, a passionate Napoli supporter, who sent her best wishes.
Napoli Make History
Under Antonio Conte's guidance, Napoli's fourth Scudetto marks a high point in their storied history, adding to titles won in 1987, 1990, and 2023. The victory, celebrated by thousands in Naples' streets, highlights the club's resurgence as a force in Italian football. Pope Leo concluded the audience with blessings for the players and staff, cementing a memorable moment for the champions.
A Touch of Naples in the Vatican
The visit blended footballing pride with a touch of Neapolitan charm, as Pope Leo's warmth and wit left a lasting impression. For Napoli, the papal audience capped a week of celebration, with the Scudetto now firmly in their grasp and their legacy growing stronger.
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