Summary
Villanova and Notre Dame men’s and women’s basketball teams have been granted NCAA approval to start their seasons in Rome on November 1, one day before the official season opener. The move is significant as it marks Pope Leo XIV’s alma mater, Villanova University, and Notre Dame, one of the world’s most prominent Catholic institutions, participating in an international sporting event under his auspices. Both universities have ties to the Vatican due to their alumni connections: Robert Francis Prevost, who later became Pope Leo XIV, is a 1977 alumnus of Villanova University, while Notre Dame has a Rome-based outpost. The NCAA waiver was granted in January for these special circumstances. A doubleheader will be held at the Palazzetto dello Sport, formerly used during the 1960 Olympics. Notably, Pope Leo XIV is an avid sports fan and has previously welcomed several athletes to the Vatican, including teams from SSC Napoli and tennis player Jannik Sinner. The upcoming event represents a historic moment in college basketball history as it marks Villanova’s first home game outside of the United States. Notre Dame will play their second regular season game abroad after opening the 2023-2024 season against South Carolina in Paris. Leadership from both universities have engaged with Pope Leo XIV, including meeting him privately for Notre Dame and attending his inaugural Mass for Villanova. The director of the Holy See Press Office has indicated that it remains unclear whether the Pope will personally participate in the game.
Key Topics
Vatican City, Pope Leo, Villanova
