On Wednesday a milestone was added to the history of Volleyball. CEV President André Meyer – who is also the President of the Control Committee currently supervising the organisation of the FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship Italy 2014 – had the opportunity to meet with Pope Francis at the end of the weekly papal audience held on St. Peter’s Square.
“It was a very emotional moment for me personally and also for all members of our Volleyball family,” Mr Meyer says. The CEV President was accompanied by the Chairman of the Organising Committee of Italy 2014, Carlo Salvatori, by Event Director Marcelo Wangler, Tournament Director Renato Arena and the Secretary General of the Italian Volleyball Federation, Alberto Rabiti.
At the end of the audience, where Pope Francis addressed thousands of pilgrims in attendance as he always does on Wednesdays, the Volleyball delegation headed by Mr Meyer presented His Holiness with a shirt of the Italian national team and with the official volleyball designed by Mikasa for this year’s Women’s World Championship. “Pope Francis stopped by as he was touring St. Peter’s Square; he was delighted with receiving our special souvenirs and even asked for more information about our championship.
This is an once-in-a-lifetime experience and a true recognition to the core, positive values of our sport. Pope Francis is known for his charisma, friendly demeanour and openness. This is exactly what we got to feel during this short, yet very emotional meeting we had with him and whose memories will last forever,” Mr Meyer concludes.
