VATICAN CITY (AP) — Newly crowned Serie A champion Inter Milan received a blessing from Pope Leo XIV on Saturday during a private audience at the Vatican.
The players, staff and directors met with Leo before Inter's match against Lazio in Rome later that day.
Championship Secured Last Sunday
Inter secured the Italian league title last Sunday with a 2-0 victory over visiting Parma, finishing with three rounds remaining in the season.
"This is undoubtedly a moment of great joy for you all, and I am delighted to share in it," Leo said.
Call to Be Role Models
While congratulating the champions, Leo urged them to reflect on their influence over young people.
"I invite you to reflect on the experience you have had, so that in this moment of success you may become bearers of a message that is particularly useful for the growth of young people," he said.
Leo reminded the players that many youngsters look to them as their "heroes" and stressed the weight of that responsibility.
"Young people today truly need role models, and what you do has an impact—positive or negative—on the life of the young," Leo added. "I would really like to leave you with this thought of the great responsibility you bear."
Inter president Giuseppe Marotta presented Pope Leo XIV with a personalized Inter shirt bearing the number 10 and the name LEONE XIV.