Vatican City: A touching moment unfolded at the Vatican during the Jubilee of Sport as three athletes from the Rome Hibernia Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) presented Pope Leo XIV with a uniquely designed Jubilee jersey, celebrating the deep connection between sport, faith, and Irish identity.

The athletes Niamh Ryan and Catherine Hallinan from the Republic of Ireland, and Katie Molloy from New York are members of the GAA club founded in Rome over a decade ago by a man from Northern Ireland. This club has since become a vibrant home for lovers of Gaelic football far from Irish soil.

Reflecting on the Jubilee of Sport, Catherine emphasized how Gaelic games embody the very spirit of the Vatican's celebration. Bringing together people from every walk of life, she said, “It’s deeply meaningful to have a Jubilee that honors sports like ours. Gaelic games don’t just represent a game. They represent unity, community, and shared identity across continents,” she shared.

The weekend celebration began with an audience in St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, June 14. To their amazement, the three women found themselves seated close to the Pope during his address. When Pope Leo made a mention of Ireland, the group was overjoyed. “We were floored,” Niamh said. “Hearing our country named by the Pope in such a setting was something we’ll never forget.”

During this special occasion, the trio handed over a commemorative jersey, a limited edition designed just for the Jubilee. It proudly displayed the Jubilee of Sport emblem on the sleeve, inscribed in Gaelic. “It was a proud moment,” said Katie. “To offer this to Pope Leo felt like gifting a piece of our heritage.” Catherine humorously added, “Now that he has the jersey, we’ve unofficially inducted him into the GAA!”

For Irish athletes like Niamh and Catherine, the relationship between faith and Gaelic sport is intrinsic. “In Ireland, there are as many GAA pitches as there are churches,” Catherine quipped. “It’s how we grew up. Sport and spirituality going hand in hand.”

She further explained how Gaelic football, deeply embedded in Ireland’s cultural memory, has long served as a symbol of resilience. “Our religion and sport have both kept the Irish spirit alive through centuries of hardship. They are pillars of our heritage.”

Their team jersey also pays tribute to this sacred link. It features an image of St. Michael the Archangel perched atop Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome. According to Irish legend, this same angel appeared to Saint Patrick in a dream during his mission to banish snakes from Ireland, a symbol they say of spiritual triumph. “This image reminds us of our roots, our mission, and our shared history,” said Catherine.

The Rome Hibernia GAA team is as diverse as it is passionate. With players speaking six different languages, the club thrives on mutual respect and camaraderie. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from,” said Niamh. “When we step on the pitch, we’re a team. That’s what sport is. A unifier.”

Their presence at the Jubilee of Sport was not just a representation of Irish athletic culture abroad, but a testimony to how games like Gaelic football can carry messages of peace, identity, and shared humanity. These are all values Pope Leo XIV celebrated during the event.