Pope Francis's Alma Mater Villanova to Play Notre Dame in Rome

Villanova and Notre Dame, two Catholic universities with papal ties, are set to play a college basketball doubleheader in Rome on November 1, marking the start of the season.

The idea for the games, dubbed the Eternal City Tip-Off, originated with Villanova's athletic director about 1.5 years ago, shortly after Robert Prevost was elected Pope Francis. The matchup will feature both the men's and women's teams from each university.

Organizers have planned a Vatican component: Pope Francis, an alumnus of Villanova, is scheduled to hold a private audience with the teams and their traveling fans on October 31, health permitting. Approximately 7,000 people are expected to attend this event in the Paul VI audience hall within the Vatican.

"He will know who they (the players) are. He’s a true, blue Villanovan," said the Rev. Rob Hagan, Villanova’s longtime team chaplain. Hagan noted that Pope Francis used to attend Wildcats games at the Palestra in Philadelphia and is familiar with Notre Dame's history.

These plans were made before the 71-year-old pontiff underwent surgery last week to remove the lower lobe of his right lung due to lung cancer. "We’re rooting for him," Hagan added.

Pope Francis graduated from Villanova in 1977 with a degree in mathematics. He was born in Chicago, near Notre Dame's campus in South Bend, Indiana. Organizers highlighted the unifying potential of the event, given the Pope's sports enthusiasm and his frequent messages about global unity through sports.

While the Pope has commented on the potential fan turnout, suggesting a strong Villanova presence, organizers anticipate a mixed crowd at the games, which will be held at the 11,000-seat Palazzo dello Sport. This arena previously hosted boxing events during the 1960 Rome Olympics.

Despite the arena's proximity to the Vatican, the Pope is not expected to attend the games as a spectator. Papal appearances at sports venues typically involve presiding over religious events rather than attending as a fan, particularly given his recent health concerns. However, organizers have made contingency plans for his potential presence, including the possibility of him officiating the opening tip-off.

The Vatican has not yet confirmed the Pope's attendance. November 1 is All Saints' Day, a major Catholic holiday that typically involves papal events at the Vatican. The men's game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. local time, followed by the women's game at 6 p.m.

Several cardinals and archbishops are expected to attend, with Philadelphia Archbishop Nelson Perez set to celebrate a private Mass for traveling fans in St. Peter's Basilica the day before the games.

The men's game will feature 7-foot-3 freshman center Luigi Suigo, an Italian prospect nicknamed the “Italian Wemby” after Victor Wembanyama, who is expected to be a high NBA draft pick. The women's game will highlight Notre Dame guard Hannah Hidalgo, last season's Naismith national defensive player of the year and a top WNBA prospect.

This event builds on a growing trend of high-level college sports games being held internationally. Organizers anticipate the event will inject an estimated $21 million into the Italian economy through the expected 7,000 traveling fans.

The men's game will be televised by Fox, which is adjusting its NFL pregame schedule to broadcast the 9:30 a.m. ET tip-off, while the women's game will air on FS1.