Notre Dame basketball teams defeat Villanova in Rome, meet Pope Leo XIV

Notre Dame’s men’s and women’s basketball teams defeated Villanova in their season openers in Rome, following a private audience with Pope Leo XIV.

The Eternal City Tip-Off took place Nov. 1 at the Palazzo dello Sport and was inspired by the election of the Pontiff, the first American-born Pope and a Villanova graduate, as Zeale News previously reported.

At the sold-out game, Notre Dame’s men’s team narrowly defeated Villanova 74–72, while the women’s team completed the sweep with a 99–75 victory.

Ahead of the games, Pope Leo welcomed approximately 7,000 people to an Oct. 31 audience, including players and representatives from both universities. Villanova President Father Peter Donohue described the gathering as the “true highlight” of the trip to Rome.

During the audience, the Pontiff reflected on his ties to both universities and spoke about the role of sports in the Christian life.

“Growing up on the south side of Chicago, we oftentimes heard ‘Go Irish.’ But as you all know, Prevost graduated from Villanova,” he said, using his surname before his papal election.

“So the Pope doesn’t take sides. Prevost has another opinion, but we won’t do that now,” he joked.

With the games scheduled for All Saints’ Day, Pope Leo recalled St. Peter’s teaching that Christians are called to be holy in all their conduct, just as the Lord is holy.

“We are invited, therefore, to ensure that every aspect of our lives, including our athletic endeavors, will help us to love God and our neighbor,” he said.

He added, “For a number of saints, including Pier Giorgio Frassati, a patron saint of athletes, sport was an important component of their lives. His life, as well as that of many holy men and women, reminds us that no one is born a champion, just as no one is born a saint,” he said. “Rather, holiness requires a daily training in love.”

Pope Leo further emphasized that the Christian life calls for a victory greater than any achieved on the basketball court, reminding those present that Christians are called to pursue an “imperishable crown of glory.”

“‘Our true goal, beyond emerging victorious in any one event, is to win the prize of everlasting life,” he said, before entrusting those gathered to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Augustine, St. Thomas of Villanova, and Blessed Basil Moreau.