20 May 2016
Delegations from Juventus, Milan, CONI, FIGC and Lega Serie A this morning enjoyed a special private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican in Rome.
Addressing his guests, Pope Francis said: “You’re champions of sport, but above all champions in life. Your presence offers me the opportunity to express my appreciation of the professional qualities and wonderful traditions that distinguish your clubs and the world of football in general.
“Many supporters, especially youngsters, are keen followers of yours. You attract the attention of these people, who admire you, and therefore you’re required to behave in a way that demonstrates the human qualities of athletes acting as testimonials of the authentic values of sport.”
Representing Juventus, stationed on the right side of the room alongside the first-team squad and backroom staff, were Andrea Agnelli, Pavel Nedved, Giuseppe Marotta, Fabio Paratici and Maurizio Lombardo.
Positioned in the middle were the top authorities of Italian sport: CONI, FIGC and Lega Serie A presidents Giovanni Malagò, Carlo Tavecchio and Maurzio Berretta, who were also joined by Lega Serie A director general Carlo Brunelli and Franco Carraro.
On the left side, Milan’s first-team and backroom staff were accompanied by Barbara Berlusconi, Adriano Galliani, Umberto Gandini and Geronimo La Russa.
The visit ended with all parties shaking hands with Pope Francis and thanking him personally for an unforgettable morning in the Eternal City.
