Holy Volley: Pope Leo XIV and Jannik Sinner's Peaceful Rally

Pope Leo XIV welcomed top tennis player Jannik Sinner at the Vatican. Sinner presented the Pope with a racket, suggesting a friendly match, but they opted for a light-hearted exchange instead. Meanwhile, Sinner prepares for the Italian Open quarterfinals after a doping suspension.

Pope Leo XIV and top-ranked tennis player Jannik Sinner have put any potential misunderstandings aside with a cordial meeting at the Vatican this week. Sinner, currently competing in the Italian Open, presented the Pope with a tennis racket during an off day in Rome.

The American Pope, a self-proclaimed tennis enthusiast, had joked earlier about not inviting Sinner for a charity match, referencing the player's last name. However, the jovial exchange during their meeting suggested any previous comments were taken in good humor.

Sinner, gearing up for a quarterfinal match after returning from a doping suspension, expressed his pleasure in meeting the pontiff, while Italian Tennis Federation head Angelo Binaghi awarded Leo an honorary federation card.