High-Profile Athletes Might Attend Pope Conclave in Rome
ROME — In the coming days, notable athletes may be seen among the crowds in St. Peter’s Square, keeping an eye on the conclave set to elect a new pope.
With the prestigious Italian Open starting this week nearby, tennis stars Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek have expressed their interest in attending the Vatican event, should their schedules allow.
“I’m not Catholic, but I feel this is a historic moment,” said Gauff, the 2023 U.S. Open champion. She mentioned her curiosity about the Catholic faith, especially the traditional smoke signals used during the conclave—black smoke indicating no decision, and white smoke signifying that a new pope has been chosen and accepted the role.
Poland’s Swiatek, a three-time champion in Rome, echoed similar sentiments, saying, “I would love to experience it, but I’ll need to see how it fits into my plans.” She acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the timing of the pope’s election and how long the conclave might last.
The conclave begins on Wednesday, while the Italian Open runs until May 18.
Gauff, known for openly expressing her Christian faith during her matches, emphasized its importance in her life. “It’s very important to me,” she noted. “I’m not trying to impose my beliefs on anyone. However, I think everyone should be free to express themselves as long as it doesn’t harm others. Sharing my faith has helped me, and it might help someone else too.”
