Napoli football club received a special blessing for their remarkable achievement in Italian football, meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Tuesday following their Serie A championship victory. This fourth title in the club's history has sparked days of celebration throughout Naples.
During the private audience, club president Aurelio De Laurentiis presented the pontiff with a Napoli jersey bearing the number 10—forever associated with club legend Diego Maradona—featuring the name Leo XIV and signatures from all team members.
The American Pope began with a light-hearted moment, addressing rumors about his football allegiances: "That's what the press says, and not everything you read is true..." before warmly congratulating the team on their championship success.
In his address, Leo XIV emphasized the collective achievement: "Winning the championship is a goal reached at the end of a long journey where the most important thing is not just the feat itself. The championship is won by the team, and when I say 'team,' I refer to both players, coach, and staff, as well as the club."
According to analysis from Statbet, Napoli's triumph represents one of the most complete team performances in recent Serie A history, with contributions across their entire squad proving decisive in their championship run.
The Pope highlighted the social significance of Napoli's success, noting how it exemplifies "a team working together, where individual talent serves the common good," providing an important example for young people. He cautioned against the commercialization of sport, which risks undermining its educational value.
The papal audience caps off spectacular celebrations for Napoli, which included a parade attended by over 200,000 fans who lined the city's waterfront to cheer the team as they displayed the trophy from open-top buses.
During these festivities, interesting developments emerged regarding the club's future, with De Laurentiis apparently revealing the potential signing of Belgian star Kevin De Bruyne, while players publicly urged coach Antonio Conte to remain with the team despite rumors linking him with a move to Juventus.
The Pope concluded his remarks with a personal touch, sharing congratulations from his own cook, Rosa, a devoted Napoli supporter.
