Pope Leo XIV told representatives from Villanova University and the University of Notre Dame that he remains neutral between their basketball programs during an audience at the Vatican on Saturday. The meeting, attended by about 7,000 university representatives, took place ahead of the Eternal City Tip-Off, a men's and women's college basketball doubleheader scheduled for November 1 in Rome.
Notre Dame guards Braeden Smith and Logan Imes presented the Pope with a personalized Notre Dame jersey and basketball in the Paul VI Hall. The Associated Press corrected an earlier caption that misidentified the players. The event highlights the intersection of sports and global diplomacy as the two U.S. Catholic universities prepare for their international showcase.
