Pope Leo XIV received a ceremonial ball during an audience with delegations from Villanova University and the University of Notre Dame at the Paul VI Audience Hall in the Vatican on October 31, 2026. The meeting brought together representatives from the two universities, which share a historic rivalry in collegiate athletics.
The gift presentation occurred during a formal audience at the Vatican. Photographs from the event show the pontiff accepting the ball from delegation members.
Both Villanova and Notre Dame maintain prominent athletic programs, particularly in basketball, where their competition has drawn national attention for decades. The Vatican audience provided a neutral setting for the rival institutions to participate in a shared ceremonial occasion.
