Pope Visits Villanova, Notre Dame Teams Ahead of Eternal City Tip-Off, Sharing Dribbles, Photos and Jokes

Pope Meets the Teams

Pope Leo welcomed Villanova and Notre Dame men’s and women’s teams ahead of Sunday’s Eternal City Tip-Off at Rome’s 11,000-seat Palazzo dello Sport. His appearance had been uncertain after lung cancer surgery on Oct. 13, but he remained on schedule while recovering.

Leo posed with the Fighting Irish, holding a banner that read, “Pope Leo, Play like a champion today.” The words echoed Notre Dame’s well-known sign at its football stadium. Villanova women’s coach Denise Dillon called him “a true Villanovan.” She said the pope joined in when she encouraged the group to raise the school’s V sign.

A Joke About Loyalties

Leo began speaking in Italian by mistake, then switched to English and recalled hearing Notre Dame’s “Go Irish” chant while growing up in Chicago. He joked that the pope does not take sides, then added that Prevost might hold a different view. The remark drew laughter from the audience. In prepared remarks, Leo encouraged the players and their families to treat sports as a path toward growing in saintliness.

Games and Rome Activities

The men’s game is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. ET on FOX, with the women’s matchup to follow on FS1. Both games are part of the teams’ visit to Rome. Villanova men’s coach Kevin Willard told FOX Sports’ Ben Portnoy he was excited for his team to take part in the trip’s potentially life-changing experiences.

A Trip Beyond Basketball

Villanova athletics director Eric Roedl told Portnoy the journey connects the university’s Augustinian mission with its basketball culture. He said bringing the Villanova community to the Vatican to celebrate that mission through sport would be special. The matchup offers an early-season basketball contest, while the Rome visit gives players and their communities a chance to share cultural and spiritual experiences.