A gesture of great symbolic value, reflecting the universal values of sport and dialogue between peoples. Among the gifts presented to Pope Leo XIV during his audience with the Athletica Vaticana delegation — following their return from the Mediterranean Games in Taranto — was a special Padel racket.
The racket was signed by the players who were protagonists of the Padel tournament at the Games, including the athletes who represented the Vatican colours, Tiziano Lucarelli and Fabrizio Peloni. A symbol of friendship, sporting fair play and cultural exchange, but also a warm greeting to the Holy Father and a testament to how sport can be a tool for bringing different cultures together.
The presentation of this special gift fully embodies the vision outlined by Pope Leo XIV, who described sport as a “prophecy of peace and fraternity among peoples”. A message shared and promoted by the International Federation and the entire global Padel community every day, both on and off the court.