Pope Francis receives Italian national teams in private audience

Pope Francis received the Italian national teams in a private audience at the Vatican. A delegation of almost 200 people, including athletes, staff and federation leadership, visited the Holy See on Monday. They marked this memorable moment by gifting the pope a national team jersey with his name on it. Men’s national team captain Simone Giannelli also showed the pope the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship trophy they won in 2022.

“Sports must always be at the service of people and society, not interests or power. I encourage you to continue along the path you have chosen, while I offer you some indications from the fundamental actions of your sport,” Pope Francis said in his speech. “The serve is the first shot that starts the game. In a match, as well as in daily life, you need to take initiative and responsibility, get involved. Never stand still! It is important to be ready to receive the serve as it is important to be available to listen humbly and patiently, and accept suggestions. Then there is the set, the pass towards the partner who has the task of finalising the action. You are never alone."

“The attack is certainly decisive. It allows you to score points and build victory. Sports must promote healthy competition, without falling into the temptation to win by trampling on the rules. Sacrifice, training and rigour are essential elements of sports. To block the attack, a wall is built. Unlike the walls in different places of the world, which are a sign of division and closure, of the inability of men to dialogue, in volleyball, when you block, you jump up to face the opponent. This gesture helps us think of the wall in a positive sense. To jump up means to detach from the ground, from the materiality that undermines the sporting spirit.”

“Many kids see you and cheer for you. For them you are models, so don't disappoint them!” concluded Pope Francis. “I wish you to play well, have fun and spread the values of friendship, solidarity and peace on and off the court.”

The exciting day ended with members of the volleyball delegation helping with food distribution at the canteen of Palazzo Migliori.

The 2022 season was really special for the Italian national teams. The men’s squad won the World Championship title, while their female counterparts won the Volleyball Nations League title and a World Championship bronze. The men’s and women’s junior and youth national teams had an amazing year too. They won all eight continental tournaments held in 2022, including the six age-category CEV European Championships and the European Youth Olympic Festival in both genders.

“It was an incredible experience! I never imagined I'd be here in the Vatican to meet the pope. I'm grateful and I will carry it in my heart forever,” World Championship MVP Giannelli said. “We have responsibility towards the younger players and, in addition to being good players, we must be good people off the court. We know that we will wear the blue shirt for a limited time and we must always honour it and wear it with pleasure and pride.”

“It was an indescribable emotion to meet the Holy Father! We are truly proud and honoured,” said women’s national team setter Ofelia Malinov. “The pope reminded us that we play sports to have fun and that at the same time we have the good fortune to entertain others. If there is fun, there is everything. It was really exciting to hear these words."

“The words of the Holy Father filled our hearts with joy,” outside hitter Aessandro Michieletto added. “Every time we take to the court in the blue shirt we know we have an extra weight because we represent a country, an entire nation. This is why we always want to do well and give our best.”

“The Holy Father spoke of the values ​​of life and sports, and we discovered ourselves in his words. It was an important message. Many kids follow volleyball and we feel like role models, so we have to set the best possible example,” opposite Sylvia Nwakalor said. “The blue shirt is always an honour to wear. Getting back to breathing the air of the national team is always something unique.”

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