In a surprising move, Pope Leo XIV extends an olive branch to those struggling with guilt by embracing his love of tennis. The sporty pontiff is breaking down barriers between faith and fun.
The newly elected Pope Leo XIV has been making headlines for his love of sports, particularly tennis. As the world watches to see how he will lead the Catholic Church forward, this sporty pontiff is already breaking down barriers between faith and fun.
Tennis and Tradition
“We’ll break something. Best not to.” said Pope Leo XIV, as he declined an offer from Jannik Sinner, the world’s number-one ranked tennis player, to hit a few balls together during his recent visit to the Vatican.
Sinner said it was “a good thing for us tennis players” that the new pope likes to play the sport and referred to the All England Club’s all-white dress code, quipping, “They would let me into Wimbledon like this.”
A Chance Encounter
Earlier this week, Pope Leo XIV mentioned he would be open to playing a charity match “as long as they don’t bring Sinner”, making light of the English-language meaning of his name.
However, it seems Jannik Sinner was unfazed by the possibility, responding with a chuckle.
Family and Friendship
Sinner was accompanied on his visit to the Vatican by his family and Angelo Binaghi, Italian Tennis Federation President. The top-ranked player posed for photos with the new pontiff in front of the Davis Cup, which Jannik Sinner and Binaghi brought with him.
A Return to Action
Following a three-month doping ban, Sinner will face Casper Ruud in a Thursday Italian Open quarterfinal match in Rome on Thursday.
- dw.com | Pope welcomes Sinner to Vatican
