Pope Leo XIV had a meet-up with the SSC Napoli players and staff at the Vatican. It happened just days after Napoli took home their fourth Serie A title, which is a huge deal, especially for the city of Naples. Before things got formal, the Pope kind of broke the ice by joking with the players. He teased them a little, saying maybe they didn’t want to clap because some people think he supports Roma. It was a small moment, but it made things feel more relaxed and down-to-earth.
Teamwork Over Star Power
When the Pope gave his speech, what really stood out was how he talked about teamwork. He said that these days, we’re finally starting to understand that it’s not just one or two players who win a title—it’s the entire team. Everyone from the players to the coaches to the backroom staff plays a part. He made it clear that Napoli’s win wasn’t just about flashy moments or big-name players. It was about a group of people working hard together for one goal. And honestly, that’s something that probably hit home for a lot of people watching this season.
More Than Just a Game
The Pope also got into a deeper topic—how sports, especially for young people, can shape who they become. He said sports should help kids grow, not just physically, but in how they carry themselves, how they treat others, and how they handle life. But he also warned that when sports turn into nothing but business, those important values can get lost. It was kind of a reminder to parents, coaches, and even clubs to focus on the right stuff—like building character and not just chasing wins or money.
A Sweet Note from the Pope’s Kitchen
At the end, Pope Leo shared something kind of personal and sweet. He said one of the women who cooks for him—her name’s Rosa and she’s from Naples—wanted to send her congratulations to the team too. She’s a huge fan, and she was really proud of them. That little detail made the whole moment feel even more real. Like, even inside the Vatican walls, people were feeling the joy of Napoli’s win.