Pope Leo XIV reportedly has been invited to attend the “Eternal City Tip-Off,” a college basketball doubleheader between Villanova and Notre Dame in Rome.
The schools announced the unique doubleheader on Friday, April 17, which is scheduled to take place later this fall on November 1.
“Inspired by the recent election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born Pope, student-athletes from two of the United States’ top Catholic universities will travel to Rome and Vatican City for a one-of-a-kind international experience to begin their college hoops season – including a planned audience with Pope Leo XIV set to take place ahead of the game,” read a statement from Notre Dame University.
Pope Leo — from Chicago — is an alumnus of Villanova and a noted sports fan. While it’s unclear whether he has accepted the invitation for an in-person appearance at the games, there is a planned papal audience with the Pope beforehand.
“This extraordinary experience reflects the very best of Villanova’s Augustinian Catholic mission—uniting faith, learning and community in a global setting,” said Villanova University President Peter Donohue in a statement. “From academic engagement and cultural immersion to shared worship and athletics, this journey offers a profound opportunity to grow in mind, body and spirit.”
“Pope Leo has spoken in such inspiring ways about the value of sport, emphasizing that sport is a ‘school of life’ that integrates the body, mind, and spirit, a vision both Notre Dame and Villanova wholeheartedly embrace,” echoed Robert Dowd, President of the University of Notre Dame, in a separate statement. “We are honored to join Villanova for what is sure to be the experience of a lifetime for our student-athletes and fans.”
He continued, “We know well the transformative impact of spending time in a city that is so central to our faith and rich in history, having established Notre Dame Rome in 2014, which allows us to host hundreds of students and scholars from around the world each year. It’s exciting and most fitting to add athletic competitions to our many activities in Rome.”
The trip will also include a welcome reception overlooking Rome and an opportunity to attend Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica.
The international game will mark the first game outside of the U.S. to start a men’s college basketball season.
“This is a special opportunity for our players and coaches to be part of a global event,” said Villanova head coach Kevin Willard in a statement. “To represent Villanova in Rome to open our 2026-27 season is such a great honor. We appreciate the enormous effort that’s gone into making it possible.”
