Inter received by Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican

“In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Peace be with you! Dear brothers and sisters, Welcome, and congratulations to the whole team, the management, the coaching staff and the many fans and supporters on this achievement. This is undoubtedly a moment of great joy for you all, and I am delighted to share in it. It is a goal achieved through hard work, teamwork, discipline and perseverance, which you have managed to maintain both in the exhilarating moments – such as the last match, which you have already celebrated! – and also the difficult ones, without becoming discouraged or giving up. For this reason, whilst I congratulate you, I invite you to reflect on the experience you have had, so that, in this moment of success, you may become bearers of a message that is particularly useful for the growth of young people. Many of them, at this time, look to you as their “heroes”, as role models to emulate, and this entrusts you with a responsibility that goes beyond performance and calls upon you, as sportsmen, to be witnesses to values. I would like to emphasize this, because young people today truly need role models, and what you do has an impact, which can be positive or negative, on the life of the young. And so, I would really like to leave you with this thought of the great responsibility you bear. Some thirty-five years ago, Saint John Paul II spoke of this during a meeting held precisely with some representatives of your club. After recalling its significant role in the history of Italian football, he added, addressing the players and managers: ‘Ensure that many may recognize in you and in your conduct authenticity and integrity that stand the test of time’ (Address to the Directors and Players of “Inter Calcio”, 16 February 1991). These are words that I too would like to repeat to you, whilst reiterating my congratulations. I cordially bless you and your families, and wish you all the best.”