By Our Correspondent

National News – Pope Leo XIV has received players, coaches, and officials of Inter Milan at the Vatican following the club’s 2025/2026 Serie A title victory.

The meeting took place shortly after the Italian champions secured the league crown, with the Pope congratulating the team while reminding them of their responsibility as role models to millions of young football fans worldwide.

During the audience at the Vatican, the Pope praised the players for their discipline, teamwork, and dedication throughout the championship season.

He stressed that football stars are closely watched by children and teenagers, making their behaviour on and off the pitch highly influential.

According to him, athletes should promote values such as humility, respect, unity, and perseverance.

The Pope explained that young supporters do not only admire how champions win trophies, but also how they respond to pressure, setbacks, and interactions with others.

He urged the team to reflect on the lessons from their successful campaign and use their achievement as a positive message for the next generation of athletes and supporters.

Speaking further, the pontiff warned against excessive individualism in modern football and encouraged players to remember that every championship victory is built on collective effort.

Vatican officials said the meeting ended with prayers and blessings for the players, club officials, and their families, as well as young athletes around the world who see sport as a source of inspiration and hope.

The atmosphere became lighter towards the end of the gathering after the Pope jokingly referred to the emotional stress football fans often experience during tense matches, drawing laughter from the players and club executives present at the meeting.

Inter Milan’s Vatican visit continues the longstanding tradition of championship-winning football clubs meeting Catholic leaders after major sporting achievements.