Pope Leo XIV Meets Tennis Star, Jannik Sinner at the Vatican

BY Victoria otonyemeba
May 14, 2025
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In a historic meeting, Pope Leo XIV welcomed Jannik Sinner, the world’s number one tennis player, to the Vatican today.

The 21-year-old Italian tennis sensation was granted a private audience with the Pope, marking a rare encounter between the world of sports and the Holy See.

Sinner was accompanied by his family and the president of the Italian Tennis Federation, Angelo Binaghi, during the visit.

The meeting was said to be a cordial and enlightening exchange, with both parties sharing their perspectives on the role of sports in society.

The Pope, a self-proclaimed “amateur tennis player,” is known for his passion for the sport.

According to the head of the Vatican’s press office, “The Pope’s passion for tennis is well known.” In an interview after being made cardinal in 2023, Pope Leo XIV said, “I consider myself an amateur tennis player. Since I left Peru, I haven’t had many opportunities to play, but I can’t wait to get back on the court.”

Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the Pope “has an excellent backhand and is a formidable competitor” according to his friends. The 69-year-old Chicago-born Pope’s love for tennis is not just limited to watching the sport, but also playing it.

During the meeting, Pope Leo XIV and Sinner discussed the intersection of faith and sports, as well as the importance of promoting values such as perseverance, humility, and respect in the world of athletics. The Pope praised Sinner’s dedication to his craft and his ability to inspire young people around the world through his example.

Sinner, who has been open about his Catholic faith and its influence on his life, was deeply moved by the meeting and expressed his gratitude to the Pope for the opportunity to discuss their shared values. “It was an honor to meet the Pope and to learn from his wisdom,” Sinner said in a statement. “As a tennis player, I am constantly striving to improve and to push myself to new heights, and I believe that my faith plays a big role in that journey.”