Pope Leo XIV met with tennis star Jannik Sinner, the world's No. 1 player, at the Vatican. Sinner gifted the Pope a tennis racket, and the Pope, a known tennis fan, joked about playing. The meeting included discussions about the Italian Open and Sinner's return to competition. The event was widely covered, and the Pope received an honorary federation card. This interaction highlighted the Pope's relatable personality and interest in sports.
about 1 month ago
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, met with Jannik Sinner, the world's number one ranked tennis player, at the Vatican 1 6. Sinner, accompanied by his parents, presented Pope Leo with a tennis racket and ball 1 3. The meeting took place in a reception room of the Vatican's auditorium 1.
Pope Leo XIV, a 69-year-old from Chicago, is an avid tennis fan and player 1. He joked about not inviting Sinner initially, referencing the English meaning of Sinner's last name 1 3. During the meeting, the Pope quipped, "Here we'll break something. Better not to!" when Sinner suggested a quick volley 1. He also joked about his white cassock being appropriate for Wimbledon 3. The Pope is also a fan of the Chicago White Sox 1.
Sinner, a three-time Grand Slam champion, is competing in the Italian Open 1. He is attempting to be the first Italian man to win the Rome title since 1976 1. Sinner is returning to competition after a three-month ban for accidental contamination 1 6. He expressed it was "a good thing for us tennis players" that the new Pope likes the sport 1 3.
Pope Leo's humorous response about potentially breaking something resonated with parents 2. His comment, "Here we'll break something. Better not to!" reminded parents of the common refrain, "Don't play ball in the house!" 2. The Pope's lightheartedness demonstrated his understanding of family life 2.
How does sports engagement relate to Catholic social teaching?
While Pope Leo XIII, not Pope Leo XIV, engaged with the modern world during his pontificate, there is no record of him meeting a tennis star, as tennis became popular after his papacy. However, here's some information about Pope Leo XIII and the Catholic Church's general perspective on sports.
Pope Leo XIII, who served as the 256th Pope, is known for his efforts to connect the Catholic Church with the modern world . His papacy lasted from 1878 to 1903 . He is particularly celebrated for his encyclical Rerum Novarum (1891), which addressed the rights and conditions of workers amidst industrialization and capitalism . This document laid the groundwork for Catholic social teaching, promoting social justice, workers' rights, and the dignity of labor, while also highlighting the importance of private property .
Rerum Novarum was written based on the needs of human nature and was inspired by the principles and spirit of the Gospel . It examines the condition of salaried workers, especially industrial laborers facing inhumane conditions . The encyclical addresses the labor question in its social and political dimensions, providing an evaluation based on Revelation, natural law, and morality . Rerum Novarum identifies the errors causing social ills, dismisses socialism as a solution, and explains Catholic teachings on work, property rights, collaboration, the rights of the weak, the dignity of the poor, and the obligations of the rich .
The Church sees sports as valuable because it provides opportunities to cultivate virtues such as temperance, humility, courage, and patience . Sports can lead to encounters with beauty, goodness, truth, and joy, and these experiences are available to people across the world, regardless of their level of athletic ability . The Church aims to ensure that sports offer meaningful and valuable experiences, promoting the integral development of individuals, improving social conditions, and building interpersonal relationships .
When played correctly, sports can be an ideal setting for practicing virtues . Pope Pius XII emphasized virtues such as fair play, obedience to coaches, self-denial, fidelity, modesty, generosity, serenity, patience, justice, chastity, and temperance in sports .
However, sports can become harmful if they lead to the idolatry of the body, excessive competition, violence, or the exploitation of athletes for commercial gain . The organization of sporting events can also sometimes make it difficult for families to attend Mass and spend quality time together .
Parents are often the first to introduce their children to both faith and sports . They can teach their children about virtues and human values through sports, fostering a bond and integrating families within the community .
The Church views sports as part of a holistic education, addressing the mind, heart, and actions . Sports can introduce young people to the cardinal virtues of fortitude, temperance, prudence, and justice, aiding their growth .