Pope Leo XIV to Host Villanova and Notre Dame Basketball Teams in Vatican City
Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to host a private audience in Vatican City for the Villanova and Notre Dame men's basketball teams and thousands of American fans gathering for the teams' season-opening games.
Dothan, AL, October 31, 2026 — Pope Leo XIV is set to host a significant event in Vatican City, welcoming both the men’s basketball teams from Villanova University and the University of Notre Dame. The private audience will also be attended by thousands of American fans who are converging in Rome for the teams’ upcoming season-opening games.
The gathering signifies a unique intersection of collegiate athletics and religious leadership, bringing together student-athletes, fans, and the Pontiff. Details regarding the specific date and time of the audience were not provided, nor were further specifics about the program of the event itself. The event is tied to the season-opening games for both basketball programs.
Thousands of American supporters are expected to be present, underscoring the broad appeal of both universities and the sport. This visit presents a notable opportunity for the teams and their followers to engage with a prominent global figure in an extraordinary setting. The specific nature of the audience, beyond a general reception, has not been elaborated upon.
The presence of American college basketball teams in Vatican City for an official audience with the Pope is a rare occurrence. Information regarding any specific discussions or objectives planned for the meeting was not available. The teams’ season-opening games are the stated reason for the gathering of fans and athletes in Italy.
Story summarized from the original created by ANDREW DAMPF and NICOLE WINFIELD, Associated Press on www.wdhn.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
