New Pope Leo XIV Welcomes Scudetto-Winning Napoli for Vatican Blessing

New Pope Hosts Napoli Squad for Blessings After Scudetto Triumph

Newly elected Pope Leo XIV hosted Serie A champions SSC Napoli at the Vatican following their 2024–25 league title win, offering his blessings and reflecting on the moral values of sport. The historic audience took place at the Apostolic Palace's Clementine Hall, where the Pope congratulated the team for their collective achievement.

Napoli clinched their fourth Scudetto with a decisive 2–0 victory over Cagliari, finishing just a point ahead of Inter Milan in a thrilling season finale. The meeting between Pope Leo XIV— the first American pontiff— and the Napoli squad symbolized a powerful union between faith and football.

Addressing players, staff, and officials, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of teamwork and the educational role of sports in society. “The championship is won by the team, and when I say ‘team,’ I mean the players, the coach, the squad, and the entire club,” he stated. He also warned against the growing commercialization of sports, calling on families and institutions to uphold its moral foundation, especially for youth.

Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis presented the pontiff with a personalized Napoli jersey featuring the name “Papa Leone XIV” and the iconic number 10. Coach Antonio Conte, known for his devout Catholic beliefs, knelt and kissed the Pope’s hand during the visit.

In a light-hearted moment, Pope Leo XIV shared that even his Neapolitan cook, Mrs. Rosa— a passionate Napoli supporter— was eager to see the team receive a papal blessing.

This Vatican visit came days after over 200,000 fans lined the streets of Naples to celebrate the club’s title parade, underscoring the profound impact of Napoli’s success on both their city and the wider footballing world.