Pope Leo XIV is slated to meet with Notre Dame and Villanova in the winter in Rome -Credit:Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / POOL / AFP via Getty Images
(Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)
Pope Leo XIV will host Notre Dame and Villanova in Rome later this year.
The two programs will travel to Italy on Nov. 1 for the Eternal City Tip-Off basketball game, an event inspired by Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff. Pope Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost, is a Villanova graduate and passionate sports enthusiast, though his allegiance to Notre Dame remains unclear.
During the teams’ time in Rome, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to attend a gathering with both squads ahead of tip-off. His planned appearance follows recent friction between himself and Donald Trump, with the president’s standing among Catholic voters declining after his remarks targeting the pontiff.
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“Pope Leo has spoken in such inspiring ways about the value of sport, emphasizing that sport is a ‘school of life’ that integrates the body, mind, and spirit, a vision both Notre Dame and Villanova wholeheartedly embrace,” Rev. Robert A. Dowd, Notre Dame’s president, said in a statement.
“We are honored to join Villanova for what is sure to be the experience of a lifetime for our student-athletes and fans.”, reports the Irish Star.
“We know well the transformative impact of spending time in a city that is so central to our faith and rich in history, having established Notre Dame Rome in 2014, which allows us to host hundreds of students and scholars from around the world each year.
“It’s exciting and most fitting to add athletic competitions to our many activities in Rome.” Niele Ivey, the head coach of the women’s basketball team, added: “We are incredibly excited to compete in Rome against Villanova in what will be a historic moment for collegiate basketball. For me, this is about more than the game-it’s about giving our student-athletes a truly holistic experience.
“Opportunities like this have the power to be life-changing, expanding their perspective far beyond the court. The University of Notre Dame is a global brand, and we’re proud to represent that tradition on an international stage. Breaking barriers and prioritizing the full student-athlete experience will always matter to me, and this trip embodies exactly that.”
Niele Ivey (L) and Hannah Hidalgo (R) will be in Rome in November to take on Villanova -Credit:Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
The Fighting Irish’s men’s basketball head coach, Micah Schrewsberry, echoed Ivey’s enthusiasm, describing how “incredibly honored” he and his coaching staff are to be involved in the occasion and launch their season in Rome.
“This opportunity reflects what makes the University of Notre Dame unique – combining elite competition with meaningful global and cultural experiences,” Schrewsberry’s statement via the university read.
“It’s a special chance for our student-athletes to represent our university on an international stage while growing in ways that extend far beyond basketball.”
The planned visit by Notre Dame and Villanova to meet the pope comes amid growing tension surrounding Trump’s standing with Catholic supporters, following the president’s public criticism of Pope Leo XIV over his comments regarding the war with Iran. “And I don’t want a Pope who criticizes the President of the United States because I’m doing exactly what I was elected, IN A LANDSLIDE, to do, setting Record Low Numbers in Crime, and creating the Greatest Stock Market in History,” he added in a Truth Social post.