Pope Leo XIV hosted men’s and women’s basketball teams from Villanova University and the University of Notre Dame at the Vatican on Wednesday, ahead of their season-opening doubleheader in Rome. The event took place in the Vatican audience hall, where the pontiff addressed an audience of approximately 7,000 players, coaches, fans, and family members from both Catholic institutions.

In his remarks, Pope Leo XIV—born Robert Prevost and an alumnus of Villanova—emphasized the importance of remaining neutral in sporting matters, noting that while his former self might hold different opinions, he must uphold impartiality as pontiff. His comments were met with applause and cheers from the crowd.

The teams traveled to Italy to participate in the “Eternal City Tip-Off,” a basketball event created to honor Pope Leo XIV as the first American pope. The series includes a doubleheader featuring the men’s and women’s squads of Villanova and Notre Dame, scheduled for today at the Palazzo dello Sport, an 11,000-seat arena located about 30 minutes from the Vatican.

During the gathering, the pontiff engaged with the teams and presented a lighthearted moment by dribbling a golden basketball gifted by the Villanova women’s team. Known for his enthusiasm for sports and his background as a tennis player, Pope Leo XIV welcomed the opportunity to celebrate athletic camaraderie while reinforcing the values of sportsmanship and unity among the visiting teams.