His Holiness Pope Leo XIV welcomed players, coaches, and directors of Inter Milan to the Vatican on Saturday, celebrating the club’s triumphant 2025–2026 Serie A victory and highlighting the broader responsibilities of sporting champions.
The private audience took place ahead of Inter Milan’s match against Lazio in Rome. The newly crowned Italian champions, who secured their 21st Scudetto with rounds to spare, were congratulated by the Pope for their dedication, teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
“Reflect on the experience you have lived through,” Pope Leo XIV told the delegation. “May it become a message that is useful especially for the growth of young people.”
The Holy Father emphasized the significant influence professional footballers exert on millions of children and teenagers who view athletes as role models. He encouraged the players to promote core values such as teamwork, discipline, humility, and respect, both on and off the pitch.
“Because of that influence, athletes must strive to promote values such as teamwork, discipline, humility, and respect,” the Pope said. He added that young people observe not only how champions win, but also how they treat others and face challenges.
Pope Leo XIV also cautioned against excessive individualism in modern sport, reminding the team of the collective effort behind every success. The audience concluded with a special blessing for the players, staff, their families, and young athletes worldwide who draw hope and inspiration from sport. A lighter moment arose when the Pope humorously referenced the emotional toll football can take on fans, eliciting laughter from the group.
This visit continues a longstanding tradition of Italian Serie A championship teams meeting with the Pontiff following major victories.