Pope Leo XIV embarks on historic first papal visit to Africa
Pope Leo XIV begins historic first papal visit to Africa as part of global outreach.
Event / Sports
Villanova Notre Dame Rome Basketball
Villanova and Notre Dame announced a historic season-opening men's and women's basketball doubleheader in Rome on November 1, 2026. The event was inspired by the May 2025 election of Pope Leo XIV, a Villanova alumnus. Student-athletes will participate in a papal audience and Vatican activities.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 18 Apr, 02:06 UTC
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What happened
Villanova and Notre Dame to play basketball doubleheader in Rome on November 1, 2026
Villanova and Notre Dame announced a season-opening men's and women's basketball doubleheader called the Eternal City Tip-Off scheduled for November 1 in Rome. The men's game between Villanova and Notre Dame will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Fox, followed by the women's game at noon on FS1.
Notre Dame and Villanova athletes to visit Vatican and have papal audience
Student-athletes and fans from Notre Dame and Villanova will visit Rome and Vatican City, with a planned audience with Pope Leo XIV scheduled before their basketball games. Attendees will also have opportunities for a shared Mass in St. Peter's Basilica and private Vatican Museum tours.
Pope Leo XIV begins first papal visit to Africa
Pope Leo XIV is embarking on his first trip to Africa as Pope, with planned visits to Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.
Pope Leo XIV elected in May 2025, Villanova alumnus
Pope Leo XIV was elected Pope in May 2025 and is a Villanova University alumnus. His election as Pope served as inspiration for Villanova and Notre Dame to organize their basketball games in Rome.
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Villanova, Notre Dame Basketball Game Brings Rome and Papal Connection
Villanova and Notre Dame play basketball in Rome with a papal audience featuring a Villanova alumnus pope.