Pope Leo XIV has been invited to attend a historic college basketball doubleheader between Villanova University and the University of Notre Dame, scheduled for November 1 later this year in Rome.
The event, dubbed the “Eternal City Tip-Off,” was officially announced on April 17 and will feature both the men’s and women’s programs from the two prominent Catholic institutions. The games are set to take place in Rome, with additional activities planned in Vatican City, including a papal audience with the Pope ahead of tip-off.
According to a statement from Notre Dame, the trip is designed to provide a global, once-in-a-lifetime experience for student-athletes.
The statement read, “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.”
Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native and Villanova alumnus, is known for his appreciation of sports. While it remains unclear whether he will attend the games in person, organizers have confirmed plans for a meeting with the participating teams.
Notre Dame president Robert Dowd emphasized the deeper significance of the event, saying, “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.”
He continued, “We are honored to join Villanova for what is sure to be the experience of a lifetime for our student-athletes and fans.”
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. https://t.co/rhlQPgM9TV
— Us Weekly (@usweekly) April 18, 2026
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The trip will also feature a special reception overlooking Rome, along with a chance for participants to attend Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, adding a deeply spiritual dimension to the experience.
The matchup will also make history, marking the first time a men’s college basketball season tips off with a game played outside the United States.
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The Rome doubleheader will serve as a high-profile start to the 2026–27 college basketball season, with national television coverage planned in the United States.
Villanova enters after finishing third in the Big East regular season and returning to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2022. The team lost to Utah State in the Round of 64 in Kevin Willard’s first season as head coach.
Notre Dame is coming off a difficult year, finishing 16th in the ACC and missing the conference tournament. Head coach Micah Shrewsberry is rebuilding the roster after multiple players entered the transfer portal.
“We’re incredibly honored to be a part of the Eternal City Tip-Off and open our season in Rome,” Shrewsberry said in a press release.
It further noted, “This opportunity reflects what makes the University of Notre Dame unique — combining elite competition with meaningful global and cultural experiences. It’s a special chance for our student-athletes to represent our university on an international stage while growing in ways that extend far beyond basketball.”
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The women’s teams will also compete, with Notre Dame led by Niele Ivey and Hannah Hidalgo, while Villanova continues under head coach Denise Dillon.
