Pope Leo XIV Declares Sports Neutrality During Vatican Basketball Team Visit
Pope Leo XIV met with the Villanova and Notre Dame basketball teams in Vatican City and declared himself neutral in sports, while humorously remarking his past self might disagree.
Myrtle Beach Florence, SC, October 31, 2026 — Pope Leo XIV received members of the Villanova and Notre Dame basketball teams in Vatican City. During the meeting, the Pontiff addressed the topic of sports, stating his current stance of neutrality.
He reportedly made a humorous remark, suggesting that his former self might hold a different opinion regarding sports allegiances. The specific details of the interaction, including the exact date of the meeting or the context surrounding the Pope’s declaration of neutrality, were not provided in the summary. Additionally, no further statements were detailed regarding the Pope’s engagement with the teams beyond this general declaration and comment. The summary did not include any quotes from Pope Leo XIV or representatives from Villanova or Notre Dame. The duration of the visit and the specific activities undertaken by the teams at the Vatican were also not specified.
Story summarized from the original created by ANDREW DAMPF and NICOLE WINFIELD, Associated Press on www.wbtw.com, see more information here.
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