Pope Leo XIV heads the Catholic church from Vatican City — where a secret tennis court awaits

In Rome, those strolling near the intersection of Via Leone IV and Viale Vaticano can find themselves close to a somewhat unexpected sight — a tennis court within the Vatican City walls. If you follow Viale Vaticano westward for approximately 50 yards, you’ll reach the point where the line for the Vatican Museum begins to form. Looking up to the top of the 39-foot-high Vatican wall, a curious structure comes into view: a netted fence extending a few meters above the wall. This fence, intended to prevent errant tennis balls from falling onto the pedestrians below, encircles the Vatican City tennis court — a little-known feature of the world’s smallest independent state.

This court is now under the jurisdiction of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was elected as Pope Leo XIV on May 8, following the emergence of white smoke from the Sistine Chapel. The announcement of his papacy was displayed on the stadium screens at Rome’s Foro Italico during the Italian Open, diverting the crowd’s attention momentarily from the tennis action. Now, speculation abounds about whether the new Pope, a self-proclaimed amateur tennis enthusiast, will make use of the court within his new residence.

Before his election as Pope, Cardinal Prevost, originally from the United States, expressed his love for tennis in a 2023 interview with the Augustinian Order. “I consider myself quite the amateur tennis player,” he said, humorously clarifying that his allegiance lies with the Chicago White Sox when it comes to baseball. His comment about tennis came as he reflected on his years working in Peru, during which he had limited opportunities to play. Now that he’s back in Rome, the question is whether he will take to the court again.

While rumors circulated that the new Pope was a fan of rising tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, these claims were debunked. Italians can rest assured that the papal attention won’t be diverted from Jannik Sinner, the country’s current tennis prodigy.

Surprisingly, even some longtime Vatican observers were unaware of the tennis court’s existence. According to a security guard stationed outside the Vatican Museum on May 8, most people do not know about the court, as it is hidden from public view. Positioned across from the building surrounding the Cortile Ottagono courtyard, the court was closed to the public starting April 28 in preparation for the papal conclave. During that period, playing tennis was not exactly on the Cardinals’ agenda.

The court’s history dates back to the late 1970s when it was renovated, giving rise to a vibrant tennis scene within the Vatican walls. A “Tournament of Friendship” was established in 1978, drawing participation from Cardinals, Swiss Guards, and eventually, Vatican employees and their children. Giovanni Battista Re, who would later become the Vice-Dean of the College of Cardinals, won the inaugural tournament, defeating Roberto Tucci, an Italian Jesuit and the director general of Vatican Radio.

As time passed, the tournament expanded to include employees of the Holy See’s Property Administration and their children. However, as younger and more agile players joined, the older clergy found themselves outmatched. Interest waned, and the tournament eventually ended, only to be revived in 2008 by employees of the Vatican Museums.

With Pope Leo XIV now in charge, some wonder if tennis will regain its prominence in Vatican circles. If he decides to take to the court, the new Pope may have to navigate some unusual moral dilemmas. Would it be acceptable for a layperson to attempt a winner against the pontiff? Would hitting a passing shot past the Holy See be seen as a bold move or a blasphemous one?

Several professional players have already commented on the papal election. Iga Świątek said she would love to spend time in St. Peter’s Square, watching for the white smoke from the Sistine Chapel, while Emma Raducanu humorously predicted a long conclave, a forecast that did not age well given that Pope Leo XIV was elected in just over 24 hours. Meanwhile, Madison Keys shared that her friend Desirae Krawczyk, a doubles specialist, had rushed to St. Peter’s Square to witness the historic moment firsthand.

For now, the Vatican tennis court remains closed to the public, its nets untouched and its surface quiet. Whether or not Pope Leo XIV will lace up his sneakers and take to the court remains to be seen. If he does, it might just mark the beginning of a new era in Vatican tennis — one that could see the Pope himself serving as the sport’s highest-profile ambassador within the walls of the Holy See.