Pope Leo meets basketball teams and fans from his alma mater Villanova and opponent Notre Dame
Pope Leo XIV has told the basketball teams from his alma mater, Villanova, and fellow Catholic university Notre Dame that in matters of sport, the pontiff is neutral. But in a raucous audience of 7,000 players, fans and their families, the former Robert Prevost laid bare his true feelings. He said “Prevost has another opinion." The teams were in town for the U.S. college basketball season opener in Rome.
The Villanova and Notre Dame men’s and women’s teams will play a doubleheader Sunday at the 11,000-seat Palazzo dello Sport — which is located about a half-hour drive from the Vatican.
Read in depth: Sports
Denver’s early-season struggles expose its reliance on Nikola Jokić
The Nuggets are 4-3, with an offense outside its usual top 10. ESPN’s analysis points to roster concerns around the three-time MVP; his latest game offered a brighter...
Miami vs. Notre Dame: Where each team holds an edge
No. 11 Notre Dame hosts No. 1 Miami on Saturday in a matchup with advantages for both sides—and without injured Miami receiver Malachi Toney.
Sources and context
ApnewsSource headline and summary supplied via NewsData.io. First collected by NewsJaws on 2026-10-31. This is an automated news brief, not original NewsJaws reporting. Dates reflect the source publication. Feed delays may apply.