Sinner Serves Up Laughter: Pope Leo XIV Declines Tennis Match

Vatican City, May 14, 2025 – In an unexpected and charming encounter this morning, Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner and Angelo Binaghi, president of the Italian Tennis Federation (FITP), were received by Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. The video shows Sinner presenting the Pope with a tennis racket and ball, jokingly suggesting a match. The Pope, with a laugh, responded, "Lasciamo stare, qui meglio di no" ("Let's forget it, it's better not here"). He added, "A Wimbledon mi lascerebbero..." ("At Wimbledon they would let me..."), indicating he might consider a game on the famous British court. The visit highlights the Pope's approachability and Sinner's playful spirit, creating a memorable and positive image. This light-hearted exchange offers a refreshing contrast to the usual solemnity of Vatican events.