Pope Leo XIV welcomed Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner to the Vatican today in a private audience, recognizing the 22-year-old champion who currently holds the top position in the ATP world rankings. Sinner was accompanied by his family and the President of the Italian Tennis Federation, Angelo Binaghi.
The meeting was marked by warmth and humor, especially in light of a recent comment by the new American pontiff. Known for his down-to-earth personality and love of sports, Pope Leo XIV previously referred to himself as an “amateur tennis player.” When asked last week whether he would consider playing against a professional, he jokingly responded, “Yes, but not with Sinner!”—a remark that delighted reporters due to the athlete’s surname, which means “sinner” in English.
Source: ANA-MPA
