By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Pope Leo XIV received players, coaches, and directors of Inter Milan at the Vatican following the club’s victory in the 2025–2026 Italian league championship, praising the team’s achievement while urging them to reflect on their influence on young people.
In a post obtained from the Vatican’s X handle on Sunday, adressing the players and club officials, the Pope congratulated the team on its success but emphasised that sporting victories carry responsibilities beyond the football pitch.
“Reflect on the experience you have lived through,” the Pope told the delegation.
“May it become a message that is useful especially for the growth of young people,” he said.
Photos: The Vatican
He noted that millions of children and teenagers view professional footballers as role models and often imitate their attitudes and behaviour.
“Because of that influence, athletes must strive to promote values such as teamwork, discipline, humility, and respect,” he said.
“Young people observe not only how champions win, but also how they treat others, how they face difficulties, and how they carry themselves in moments of pressure,” he said.
He also warned against excessive individualism in modern sport, encouraging players to remember the collective effort behind every championship victory.
According to Vatican officials, the meeting concluded with a blessing for the team and their families. The Pope also offered prayers for young athletes around the world who look to sport as a source of hope and inspiration.
The atmosphere turned lighter near the end of the audience when Pope Leo joked about the emotional strain football places on supporters, drawing laughter from players and club executives alike.
Inter Milan’s visit continues a longstanding tradition of championship-winning teams meeting with pontiffs at the Vatican following major sporting achievements.