The Roster Takes Shape
VATICAN CITY — Serie A champions Inter Milan received a papal blessing on Saturday, one day after securing the Italian title and hours before playing Lazio in Rome.
The private audience with Pope Leo XIV took place at the Vatican before Inter's away match. Players, staff and club directors attended the meeting that celebrated their league win.
The scoreboard made the point with less ceremony than everyone around it.
"This is undoubtedly a moment of great joy for you all, and I am delighted to share in it," Leo said. "While I congratulate you, 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."
The Margins Are Thin
The pope reminded the squad that many youngsters look to them as heroes and urged them to keep that responsibility in mind.
"I would like to emphasize this, because young people today truly need role models, and what you do has an impact, which can be positive or negative, on the life of the young," Leo added. "And so, I would really like to leave you with this thought of the great responsibility you bear."
Inter clinched the Scudetto last Sunday with a 2-0 victory over Parma, leaving three matches remaining in the season.
The Next Test Arrives
Club president Giuseppe Marotta presented Leo with a personalized Inter shirt bearing the number 10 and the name LEONE XIV.