Newly crowned Serie A champions Inter Milan received a blessing from Pope Leo XIV on Saturday.
The players, staff and directors had a private audience with Leo at the Vatican ahead of Inter’s match against Lazio later Saturday in Rome.
Inter secured the Italian title last Sunday with a 2-0 victory over visiting Parma with three rounds to go.
“This is undoubtedly a moment of great joy for all of you, and I am happy to share in it,” Leo said on Saturday.
Pope Leo XIV poses with Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta as he meets Inter Milan players and management. | Photo credit: REUTERS
Pope Leo XIV poses with Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta as he meets Inter Milan players and management. | Photo credit: REUTERS
“While I congratulate you, I invite you to reflect on the experience you have had so that in this moment of success you can become bearers of a message that is particularly useful for the growth of young people.”
Leo reminded the players that many young people consider them their «heroes» and urged them to keep that responsibility in mind.
“I would like to emphasize this because young people today really need role models, and what you do has an impact, which can be positive or negative, on the lives of young people,” Leo added. «And so I would very much like to leave you with this thought of the great responsibility you bear.»
Inter president Giuseppe Marotta presented Leo with a personalized Inter shirt with the number 10 and the name LEONE XIV.
Published on May 9, 2026
