Pope Leo XIV and Jannik Sinner: An Unforgettable Encounter in the Vatican
Pope Leo XIV has sealed peace with the world’s number one tennis player, Jannik Sinner, in a historic meeting at the Vatican.
The visit took place on Wednesday, during Sinner’s day off at the Italian Open. The tennis player presented the Pope with a tennis racket and offered to play a match.
Pope Leo, the first American pontiff, is passionate about tennis and had expressed his willingness to play a charity match after being suggested by a journalist.
It’s an honor.
Jannik Sinner
The meeting seemed to dispel any previous misunderstanding. Sinner, along with his parents, was received in a hall of the Vatican auditorium. The three-time Grand Slam champion suggested a brief exchange of shots, but the Pope, observing the antiques, declined the proposal.
The 69-year-old Pope, originally from Chicago, joked about his white attire and his suitability for Wimbledon, alluding to the All England Club’s dress code.
Subsequently, the Pope inquired about the progress of the Italian Open. Sinner replied that he was “in the game”, after a difficult start to the tournament.
Sinner will face the newly crowned champion in Madrid, Casper Ruud, in the quarterfinals of the tournament. The Italian tennis player seeks to become the first man from his country to win the Rome title since 1976.
During the audience, Angelo Binaghi, president of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation, presented the Pope with an honorary card from the federation.
We all feel the passion that Leo XIV has for our sport and this filled us with pride. We hope to embrace the Holy Father again soon, perhaps on a tennis court.
Angelo Binaghi
The Pope and Sinner posed for photographs with the Davis Cup trophy, which Sinner helped Italy win for the second consecutive time last year. The Billie Jean King Cup trophy, won by Italy in 2024, was also on display in the room.
Previously, Sinner had expressed his satisfaction with the new Pope’s interest in tennis.
In addition to tennis, Pope Leo is a fervent supporter of the Chicago White Sox.
