The Useful Context
VATICAN CITY — Inter Milan received a papal blessing at the Vatican on Saturday, hours before facing Lazio in Rome. The newly crowned Serie A champions were granted a private audience with Pope Leo XIV.
Inter secured the Italian title last Sunday with a 2-0 victory over Parma, with three rounds remaining in the season.
"This is a moment of great joy for you all," Leo told the players, staff and directors. "I congratulate you, and 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 Detail Still Doing Work
He reminded them that many youngsters look to them as heroes. "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."
Inter president Giuseppe Marotta presented Leo with a personalized Inter shirt bearing the number 10 and the name LEONE XIV.
There is something quietly fitting about a Pope wearing the number 10 — the playmaker's digit, the one that sets up others to score.