Pope Leo XIV met with Jannik Sinner, the world's top-ranked tennis player, at the Vatican. The meeting, which took place during the 2025 Italian Open, saw Sinner gift the Pope a tennis racket. The Pope, a known tennis fan, discussed the sport and Sinner's return to competition after a break. Sinner expressed his positive view on having a pope who enjoys tennis. The event was widely covered by international media outlets.
24 days ago
Pope Leo XIV met with Jannik Sinner, the world's number one tennis player, at the Vatican on May 14, 2025 2 5. The meeting occurred during Sinner's visit to Rome for the Italian Open 3 5. Sinner was accompanied by his family and Angelo Binaghi, president of the Italian Tennis Federation 2 4 5. The meeting took place in a room adjacent to the Paul VI Hall 4 5.
Pope Leo XIV is known to be an avid tennis fan and player 2 3 4. Prior to the meeting, the Pope joked about not inviting Sinner, referencing the English meaning of his last name 2. Sinner responded that it was a "good thing for us tennis players" that the new Pope enjoys the sport 2 3. The Pope's passion for sports is well-known 4. He is also a fan of the Chicago White Sox 2.
During the meeting, Sinner presented Pope Leo XIV with a tennis racket 2 3 4. He also offered to play a quick volley, but the Pope declined, citing the room's antique furniture 2 3. The Pope humorously referenced his white cassock and its potential suitability for Wimbledon's all-white dress code 2 3. Angelo Binaghi presented the Pope with an honorary federation card 2.
Sinner's visit to the Vatican occurred during his participation in the Italian Open in Rome 2 5. He had advanced to the semi-finals 3. This tournament marks Sinner's return after a three-month break, following what was determined to be an accidental contamination 2. Sinner is aiming to be the first Italian man to win the Rome title since 1976 2.
How does the Church view sports and recreation?
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