Pope Leo XVI Meets Jannik Sinner: Where the Culture of Encounter Ought to Go

Much has been made of Pope Leo XVI's recent meeting with tennis' number one player on the men's tour, Jannik Sinner. From the puns associated with the Italian athlete's surname to their common "love" of the game, the reports of this encounter can't leave Catholics and sports fans without a smile. For example, upon giving the Holy Father one of his rackets and a ball as written by NPR, "the three-time Grand Slam champion suggested a quick volley. But the pope looked around at the antiques and said, "Better not." Though his papacy is nascent, it's obvious that this pontiff will continue—if not extend—the culture of encounter preached and promoted by Pope Francis. I believe that is incredibly important. However, this particular meeting raises an important question for me. If an encounter is but an exchange of pleasantries and puns, gifts and goodness, it falls short. It remains but a photo opportunity. My hope is that a meeting like this offers the time and space to raise questions and express concerns. And in the case of meeting with Jannik Sinner, I believe the culture of doping and the usage of PEDs in tennis ought to be acknowledged and addressed.

On March 14, 2025, Sinner visited the pope at the Vatican, along with his parents and Alberto Binaghi, the president of the Italian Tennis Federation, during the Italian Open in Rome, after returning to the game following a three-month doping ban.

As written in The Guardian,

Sinner tested positive for low levels of a metabolite of clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid that can be used for ophthalmological and dermatological use. It's the same drug for which San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. was suspended by MLB.

Sinner tested positive again eight days later in an out-of-competition sample.

Sinner failed a drug test twice. Sinner's explanation — that trace amounts of Clostebol in his doping sample was due to a massage from a trainer who used the substance after cutting his own finger — were accepted. Originally,  he was allowed to compete without suspension, raising questions about the treatment of high profile athletes. Eventually, Sinner accepted a three-month ban in a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency. 

You can decide for yourself what to make of Sinner's story. Much has been written and reported. I don't feel good about it. Personally, I don't celebrate this encounter in the way I wish I could, so I turned to a friend with my questions. I expressed my concerns.

I asked, What is the best we could hope for in this encounter? Given the timing and publicity of Sinner's case, we agreed that it could be opportune for the Holy Father to inquire about the culture of doping surrounding the sport. Making accusations or assigning blame is not appropriate. Asking about the pressure, temptation, policies, provision and communication around PEDs—defining, testing, banning and more is essential to understanding the decisions that athletes make. What are the conversations you are having with your physio? your doctor, your team? yourself? 

My friend added that the encounter could also serve as a space to remind a person of their moral responsibility to others. In this case, the Pope could  As the number one player in the world. countless others—young people, tennis players, sports fans, Italians and Catholic look to you to set an example. You have great power and responsibility—whether you want it or not. I urge you to choose the good. I encourage you to live with integrity. Make the game we both love even greater by the holistic use of your talent, style, mentality and more.  

It's possible that Pope Leo and Sinner had a serious conversation—a private one. I respect that we might not be privy to it all. As noted in 2024 US Open champion Jannik Sinner meets with Pope Leo XIV "during the audience, Binaghi gave the pope an honorary federation card, and the pontiff and Sinner posed for photos with the Davis Cup trophy that Sinner helped Italy win in 2023 and 2024, as well as the Billie Jean King Cup trophy won by the women in 2024, led by 2025 Italian Open women's champion Jasmine Paolini."

"We all felt the passion that Leo XIV has for our sport and this filled us with pride," Binaghi said in a statement. "We hope to embrace the Holy Father again soon, maybe on a tennis court."

Who knows, that might be the right place, right time for the next encounter.

Photo Credits
Pope and Sinner
Trophy

The Sacrament of Confirmation: You'll Never Walk Alone

It's Confirmation season in the Catholic Church. As the third and final sacrament of initiation, Confirmation strengthens and deepens the grace received at Baptism. It seals the person with the gift of the Holy Spirit, empowering them to live as adults in the Church who are called to witness to Christ. It is not meant to be a Catholic "Bar/Bat Mitzvah." Other think of it as Catholic graduation. It need not be relegated to a second class sacrament. Perhaps Sports and Spirituality can help. 

It makes sense to me that the word Confirmation means “to strengthen” or “to make firm.” Receiving this sacrament requires personal preparation through prayer, study and reflection. Athletes are not strangers to a regime of strength training, self discipline, and teamwork. In Confirmation, a young person confirms their intention to live as a mature member of the Church. The training or this important sacrament are designed to help them take that step with faith and confidence.

I had the opportunity to witness this firsthand when I met with the eighth graders at Notre Dame des Victoires in San Francisco during their Confirmation retreat. To share a small, but important part of their journey was an honor and a privilege. And what stood out to be about this retreat is that it  included both Confirmands and sponsor. In my opening remarks, I acknowledged that special component of the retreat. I said, "As they sing in Liverpool You'll Never Walk Alone." I got smiles from all of the soccer fans in attendance.

In Baptism, a child is given God parents. In Confirmation the confirmands choose a sponsor—a spiritual mentor who can help them grow in their relationship with God and live out their Catholic faith more fully. Practically speaking, sponsors  stand as witnesses during the Confirmation ceremony, publicly affirming their commitment to support the confirmands. Ideally, their role doesn’t end with the ceremony. A sponsor is encouraged to extend guidance, encouragement, and prayer as they continue their journey in faith. I think we can all use a good sponsor! 

Many of the sponsors on the retreat were extended family members—aunts, uncles and cousins. Some were the parents of the confirmand's friends. A few were even former teachers and neighbors. Each one in attendance was there to listen and learn, lead, guide and offer an assist when necessary. I had both parties interview one another (email me if you want the questions). They trusted the process. That time together was a win.

But, I also wanted to be realistic about the role of a sponsor. I thought of a quote from the legendary, late St. Ignatius High School football coach—Vince Tringali. When asked, "What do you get out of coaching?" he said: 

What you get from coaching is a relationship. And for some it only lasts a season. Still others, ask or need more of you and it extends beyond. And with some, the relationship lasts a lifetime. One that does not end in even with this life.

His words have forever resonated with me. Today I saw a photo taken from graduation day eight years ago: it features me and one of my golfers, Rachel. I attended her brother's funeral last April. I hope to play golf with her this summer. She is often in my prayer, that is but one relationship that has extended far beyond one golf season.

I think too of countless other runners, rowers and golfers who I have coached in the past. Among the majority, our relationship lasted but a singular season. Those relationships are invaluable. I learned about them and about myself in our time together.

I think this is an appropriate analogy for the role and expectation of a Confirmation Sponsor. The fruit of this shared sacred journey is a relationship. For some it may only be during the preparation and training for the sacrament. Among others, it might be one that lives long. Regardless of its tenure, I hope both Confirmand and sponsor will always pray for one another. 

Before the retreat, I thought back to my own sponsor, Diane Woods. She was our neighbor, a member of our parish and one of the most loving, warm, lively and kind women I knew. I was so excited to ask her to accompany me on my journey. When I showed the photo you see on this blog (the top one) from my Confirmation day at St. John Vianney Church, all I see is how she is looking on with great love, warmth and affection. (N.B. what is also special about this photo is that in the background stands a friend from both grade school and high school, Brian. His son attends the school where I teach!). Diane and her husband moved back to the East coast when I was in college. We lost touch over the years but I remain grateful for the seasons we shared.

With Susan at the wedding of the son of our good friend!

I have been a sponsor twice—for my dear friend Susan and my God daughter, Grace. I am but one year older than Susan but I feel a blessed kinship with her to this day for having had the privilege of being her sponsor. I should let her know, I pray for her regularly. Prayers of gratitude for her friendship, our memories, her kindness, love of her family and friends and for her faith. She asks great questions about it. Tough questions. I have always enjoyed the opportunity to think, discuss and unpack these matters with her. When my niece Grace asked me to be her sponsor, I wasn't sure if I should concede as I am already part of her faith journey. But, I realized she asked me to step up and stand in as her sponsor. How many times in life do we get to accompany those we love in such a special way?! Through both Susan and Grace, my faith was strengthened and made firm. I hope I was able to give both the sponsors and Confirmands in the room a sense of the gift of preparing for Confirmation can and will bring.

Between the grace of the sacrament, the sponsor and the Spirit, Confirmation is a worthy endeavor—training, toil and time and all! What a blessing to know "You'll Never Walk Alone." 

A fitting prayer to offer on the Feast of Pentecost, Ascension Sunday, for Confirmands and their sponsors.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.
O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit.
Did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit.
We may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations, Through Christ Our Lord, Amen. 

Photo Credits
Liverpool United

Admiral Chris Grady asks Graduates: What Would You Fight For? His Answer? Trust and Truth

After listening to Derek Jeter’s commencement address at the University of Michigan, I started wondering which other sports legends—past and present—might be speaking to the Class of 2025. As it turns out, this year’s lineup is impressive: Simone Biles (Washington University—St. Louis), Mia Hamm (University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill), Katie Ledecky (Stanford University), Carmelo Anthony (Syracuse University), and A.J. Brown (Ole Miss), to name just a few. Who would you want to hear?

I’m not sure why a search like this hasn’t been a regular part of my work in Sports and Spirituality. Every year, I check to see where the President is speaking—this year, it's the University of Alabama—and I never miss Notre Dame’s commencement. I’ve written about athletes like Roger Federer, Harrison Butker, and Haley Scott DeMaria when they’ve crossed my radar. From now on, a full search will be part of the routine.

When I read that Admiral Christopher Brady '84 was speaking to the Notre Dame Class of 2025, I took note. As an alum and Vice Chairman and Acting Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, I understood why the graduation committee asked him to give the address. With 41 years in the Navy, he said "I have been forged by the sea. But it really started right here — I believe I was forged at Notre Dame first." While a career in the armed forces is much different than one as a professional athlete, I had to wonder Would he? Could he? make a connection to Sports and Spirituality? I am pleased to report that he did. He was inspiring, interesting and his words still sit with me.

Like many speakers, Adm. Grady sought to create a connection with his audience. As someone who once sat in their shoes (albeit not inside Notre Dame Stadium, but the Joyce Athletic Convocation Center) he asked the graduates to pledge their allegiance. While choosing between South vs. North dining hall isn't new material, when he asked the class to declare Who is our number one rival: Ohio State? Clemson? Michigan? or USC? I was utterly delighted in by their response. Go Irish. Beat Trojans (we did). He made reference to all the sports I would need. So what of spirituality?

Grady said that "trust is a precious commodity." I heard those words and the spirit moved me. I leaned in. I listened hard. He said, 

As a young officer, I learned that building and maintaining trust is essential to effective leadership, and that trust is built on a commitment to truth.

When I took command for the first time, I quickly learned that trust is a precious commodity.

First-time captains, as with any leader, have to learn to trust those around them, because no person can do it all, especially on a warship with over 300 people.

And first-time captains, especially, have to get over themselves as the only answer.

For me that came from trusting my command master chief, the ship’s senior enlisted sailor, who pulled me aside and said, “Look, captain, you’re good, but we can be great as a team if you trust the crew … we will speak truth to power if you let us.”

Now, we can debate whether trust is given or earned. But I can tell you trust is difficult to maintain, easy to lose, and — once lost — nearly impossible to get back.

And trust is built through the ruthless commitment to and pursuit of truth.

We ask, “What would you fight for?” and I answer, “truth” — truth is worth fighting for.

During every football game, the University runs an ad that asks that questions: What would you fight for? Students and professors share stories of their work, study, preoccupations that they find worth fighting for. Past responses have been: religious liberty, our country's mental health crisis, rare diseases and education reform. No part of their quest exists without trust and truth. It's integral to the fight.

As much as I love athletes and their contributions to society—art, entertainment, joy and awe, I was humbled by the work of Admiral Grady. Jeter spoke of failing his rookie season. It was challenging; it was real. But adversity, challenge and even failure have a different face in the Navy. He said, 

In my line of work, that means that no plan survives first contact with the enemy.

My best days in command were not when everything went right, but when things went wrong, and the crew — the team — responded.

Like on a beautiful day off the coast of Bahrain when a routine voyage was interrupted by a catastrophic engineering failure, and the crew responded safely, expertly and swiftly.

Or when I was a strike group commander and we had to adjust to changing enemy tactics as we sent the air wing over the beach during the fight against ISIS.

The enemy was a learning adversary, but we learned and adapted faster.

You must do the same.

I turned to my friend and said "he just dropped ISIS on us. Not sure it gets more real than that." Or should I say truthful.

Though graduation speeches can be controversial, formulaic, biased and limited—I learn something from every one of them. At Notre Dame, we have the privilege of a second speech—from the the recipient of the Laetare Medal. This address is 100% spiritual in nature. It is the most prestigious award given to American Catholics by the University of Notre Dame in recognition of outstanding service to the Catholic Church and society. It had been conferred on saints, selfless leaders, men and women in religious life, lay people and more. This year's honoree—Kerry Alys Robinson is the president and chief executive officer of Catholic Charities USA. She spoke a lot of sports, especially football.

I had to wonder if next year, the University might recognize a priest from the South Side of Chicago who has become the first American Pope. Stay tuned and rest assured I will let you know. It's part of my routine.

Blessings to the Class of 2025, to Admiral Grady and Kerry Robinson and all those who have helped these graduates and honorees in their search for truth and in building trust. Go Irish.

Photo Credits
Coach Free
Commencement Speaker

A Graduation Message from Derek Jeter at The Big House: Silence Made Me Better

It's graduation season. queue up "Pomp and Circumstance." We teachers dust off our black robes and hoods. Students are measured for their own. I was in the academic dean's office at school when three girls stopped by to confirm how to correctly pronounce their surnames. I know this assistant principal takes great pride in doing that right. She should!

At this time of year, one question I enjoy asking my colleagues at lunch is: Who gave the commencement address at your graduation? Many don’t remember. Some can give a general idea or share a few details. But I have a feeling the University of Michigan’s Class of 2025 won’t forget theirs. He is the 2020 MLB Hall of Fame inductee, five-time World Series champion, and legendary shortstop for the New York Yankees: Derek Sanderson Jeter.

Born in New Jersey, Jeter grew up in Kalamazoo, MI . Given that "The Captain" was a Wolverine for one year before turning pro, I wasn’t surprised by the University’s choice. I’m not a Yankee fan. I like Michigan even less, but he hit it out of the park (sorry! I couldn’t resist). I laughed. I cried. I watched it twice.

As a baseball player, I suspected he would address the importance of failure—as a mechanism for personal growth, humility and more. He did. 

If I can promise you one thing for certain: You will fail.I failed publicly. I failed miserably. There were days I literally cried because I was so bad. My first season as a professional, I made 56 errors. For the non-baseball fans, that’s hard to do intentionally.

The important thing, is to see disappointment as an opportunity to learn, not as a reason to quit.

It’s your job to make sure that a speed bump doesn’t become a roadblock.

Surrounding yourself with the right people will also help buoy you after a failure — and make your chance of success greater.

Easy for a baseball player to say, right? But to me Jeter's message had added nuance and depth. I couldn't help but think of his time with the Miami Marlins. Three years after retiring from his work on the field in baseball, Jeter became CEO and part of the ownership group. In 2022, he left his position of overseeing business and baseball operations; the Marlins had a mixed record under his leadership. To say he failed might be unfair. He faced a series of speed bumps. The road took him elsewhere.

Jeter has always spoken about the importance of his parents—the expectations they held, the way they challenged and supported him. As written in The University Record:

While you may fail on your own, Jeter said, it’s nearly impossible to succeed alone.

For Jeter, the right people included his parents. 

“I’d walk onto the field to warm up before a game, and I’d look up into the stands. People thought I was looking around and not focusing. I was really looking for mom and dad,” he said.

“It gave me comfort that I wasn’t alone, even when they physically weren’t present, I knew they believed in me, were rooting for me, were supporting me.” 

Jeter’s words remind me that true greatness comes from both within and beyond. Simone Biles — who, fittingly, spoke at St. Louis University’s commencement — has expressed the same truth. Before every competition, she would look to the stands for her parents. But during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, COVID restrictions kept families away. Biles cites this absence as a key factor in her mental health struggles.

The importance of family support and the lessons we learn from failure are important but standard remarks for graduates. What I found particularly poignant was his recommendation for silence. He said, 

I spent my entire career playing in the biggest media market in the world. The glare was constant. The attention was relentless. Many called me mysterious, amongst other things — but we'll use 'mysterious' — because I kept things private. In reality I was just listening to the voice in my head. It was my dad's voice. He kept telling me, 'Be patient.' Listen more than I spoke. So I looked. I listened. I learned. Silence made me smarter. Silence made me better.

Catholic writer Matthew Kelly would agree. He says we must all spend time in the classroom of silence. This is where Jeter found his way. You won't find a singular faith tradition or world religion that underestimates the importance and the power of silence. It's restorative. It's generative. It's where the Lord comes to us.

Though I have heard the band play "The Victors" many times, I never knew the actual words to the Michigan fight song (*I am familiar with an alternate version). Awarded an honorary Doctor of Law degree, his message has addition meaning. "After all, that Michigan degree that you are receiving today gives you an edge. And so do the words of our fight song: Hail to the victors, the conquering heroes, the leaders and best."

Thank you, Captain for these lessons—even about the fight song. Congratulations to all the graduates in Ann Arbor and throughout the country. Enjoy your moment and live the message.
Go Irish ;-) 

Photo Credits
Commencement
Biles
Silence

Sports and Spirituality Welcomes Pope Leo XIV

No doubt, the celebration of Mother's Day bumped mass attendance, but I had to wonder: Were more people in the pews because we have a new Pope—an American one! My pastor's opening remarks focused on our extraordinary week for our Church as we named the 267th successor of Saint Peter. Welcome Pope Leo XIV!

Given that we live in a great information age—with facts and findings literally at our fingertips, it wasn't just Catholics eager to learn more about the new religious leader in the Vatican. Folks from Chicago, Villanova alumni,  those in attendance at Augustinian institutions, lapsed Catholics, C&E Catholics, White Sox fans and more want to know more about Robert Francis Pervost. So much has been written and more is to be determined but it's high time that Sports and Spirituality weighed in. I wanted to share but a few thoughts.

It's never who or what you expect.
When people asked me—or the other theology teachers I work with—who we thought would be named the next pope, most of us gave the same answer: “It’s never who you expect.” Though I shared my own preferences and suspicions, the truth is, I ultimately leaned on that same belief: It’s never who you expect." Why is so hard to live by our very own words?

The night of the first official voting at the Conclave—black smoke—I received a group text from three Catholic friends. It said "Okay guys, are we getting an American Pope? Black smoke tomorrow or will one be chosen?" My response? "Zero chance of an American pope. Not sure how long it will take this group. Always interesting." Less than 24 hours later, a colleague came by my classroom to share there was white smoke at the Vatican. I heard rumblings from another teacher that they chose an American Pope. I actually said out loud, "Dan doesn't know what he is talking about." 

Turns out Dan DID know what he was talking about—a man born and raised in the United States was elected to the Holy See. Turns out I too knew what I was talking about—it's never someone you expect (this is certainly true with Francis and John Paul I and John Paul I. Benedict was a known entity). I said those words and yet I struggled to believe what I had professed as true. Very human. 

Habemus papam
At the beginning of the next class period, the Assistant Principal for Mission came on the P.A. with an announcement. A Latin scholar—a junior named Alex— had his moment in the sun as he read the official announcement out of the Vatican that was read by to the waiting crowds by Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti. Alex repeated what he said.

Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum;
habemus papam:


Eminentissimum ac reverendissimum Dominum Robertum Franciscum

Sanctae Romane Ecclesiae Cardinalem Prevost qui sibi nomen imposuit Leo XIV  

Or in English,  

I announce to you a great joy;
we have a pope: The Most Eminent and Most Reverend Lord Robert Francis Cardinal of the Holy Roman Church Prevost who has taken the name Leo XIV

My students heard the news delivered with joy and enthusiasm and they clapped. It was awesome. I work at a Jesuit high school and when Jorge Mario Bergolio, S.J. was named Pope, the faculty we all were excited, but not like this. This moment in world history—naming an American to the papacy was not lost on young people. It is something I will not forget.

Don't Stop Believin'
Within minutes, friends and family were sharing fun facts, memes and anecdotes about the new Pope. Out of the gate, a news article declared Pope Leo XIV to be a Cubs fan. Having heard he was from the South side, I was skeptical of this news. I thought to myself "Where's the evidence?" I also thought given the class issues that often characterize the fans from the North side (Cubs territory) to those in the South (Sox nation), if this allegiance were true—there must be a good reason. People are free to follow who they want, but in a city like Chicago, there's some explaining to do. 

Pope Leo's brother weighed in and settled the score and I can't help but smile. Not because it's utterly remarkable that we have TV footage of him at the 2005 World Series, but because of the theme song that characterized that White Sox team: Don't Stop Believin'. 

As written in my post The Balm of Sports, "In 2005, this team did the impossible. They remained in first place from Opening Day until they defeated the Houston Astros to win the World Series title. It had been 88 years since the franchise last clinched a championship (their third). The 2010 San Francisco Giants hold Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" as the unofficial theme song of our city's first World Series championship, but the credit should go to that 2005 crew."

Believe. Have Faith. What a perfect message for a team and for a moral leader, like the Pope to say. I think my friend Courtney's brother, Josh would like Pope Leo XIV—and not just because of his allegiance to the ChiSox (his story is captured in the aforementioned blog post).

Civilization of Love / Culture of Encounter
As word of Leo's sports fandom spread, it became a cultural phenomenon, birthing a million memes and his own signature Topps card. Kendall Baker of Yahoo Sports writes, "His election even moved betting markets: In the 24 hours after Prevost was elected, Villanova had the most bets to win the 2026 men's basketball title and received more action than all other teams combined.

The pope is also a hoophead: One longtime friend said they used to watch Bulls games together and discuss Villanova basketball, and old tweets showed Prevost cheering on the Wildcats."

But he isn't just a sports fan, "while living in Rome, he played tennis here weekly,” Father Joseph Farrell, the American prior general of the Order of St. Augustine, said. “He realizes just how important staying in good physical shape is. He certainly plays tennis for the joy of the game, to keep up with the game, but also for stress relief!”

While I certainly celebrate his love for sports, it is VERY short-sighted to recognize this Pope as the only one with a sports connection. John Paul II was an avid sportsman—a skier and a hiker. He loved the outdoors and in his writings, he saw sport as one of the crucial signs of the times, a "cultural mediator," uniquely "capable of interpreting contemporary man's hopes and needs." He said "Sports in fact can make an effective contribution to peaceful understanding between peoples and to establishing the new civilization of love." (On the Eighth Day).

Pope Francis only furthered this teaching with his own vision of the culture of encounter. He declared "to speak of a culture of encounter means we, as a people, should be passionate about meeting others, seeking points of contact, building bridges, planning a project that includes everyone." Pope Francis believed that soccer could do this. Given it's popularity, it's quite possible that Pope Francis' message might have even been more accessible to people world wide. 

Building from prior papal teachings and his own love of sport, I have to wonder, what's next? What might Pope Leo XIV teach us all about sports and spirituality in the years to come. I can't wait.

One addendum. In this week's department meeting a colleague said "I'm so glad that Pope Leo is from Villanova and not Notre Dame." Without blinking an eye, I said "I totally agree. We are already a lot. To have the Holy Father as an alum would just be too much... I'm so happy for Nova. They are tearing it up in the NBA and now the Vatican."

Truly, we've been given hope and a sign that the Holy Spirit continues to work in our world. In the first words of Pope Leo XIV, "Peace be with you." 

Photo Credits
Topps Card
Comiskey