Pope meets with NBA players’ union delegation at the Vatican November 23, 2020By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Racial Justice, Vatican, World News VATICAN CITY (CNS) — A delegation representing the National Basketball Players Association, a union representing professional athletes from the NBA, met with Pope Francis and spoke with him about their work in promoting social justice. The players association said the group meeting the pope Nov. 23 included: Marco Belinelli, a shooting guard for the San Antonio Spurs; Sterling Brown and Kyle Korver, shooting guards for the Milwaukee Bucks; Jonathan Isaac, power forward for the Orlando Magic; and Anthony Tolliver, a 13-year power forward who is currently a free agent. The NBPA said the meeting “provided an opportunity for the players to discuss their individual and collective efforts addressing social and economic injustice and inequality occurring in their communities.” NBA players have been vocal on social justice issues throughout the year, especially after the shocking death of George Floyd by police officers in May sparked massive protests across the United States. Before resuming the basketball season following its suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the union and the NBA reached a deal to display social justice messages on their jerseys. Michele Roberts, executive director of the NBPA, said in a statement Nov. 23 that the meeting with the pope “validates the power of our players’ voices.” “That one of the most influential leaders in the world sought to have a conversation with them demonstrates the influence of their platforms,” said Roberts, who also was at the meeting. “I remain inspired by our players’ continued commitment to serve and support our community.” According to ESPN, union officials said an “intermediary” for the pope reached out to the NBPA and informed them of Pope Francis’ interest in their efforts to bring attention to social justice issues and economic inequality. Korver said in a statement that the association was “extremely honored to have had this opportunity to come to the Vatican and share our experiences with Pope Francis” and that the pope’s “openness and eagerness to discuss these issues was inspiring and a reminder that our work has had a global impact and must continue moving forward.” “Today’s meeting was an incredible experience,” Tolliver said. “With the pope’s support and blessing, we are excited to head into this next season reinvigorated to keep pushing for change and bringing our communities together.” – – – More Vatican News Pope Leo XIV calls on Latin American bishops to lead from ground, not ‘behind a desk’ Pope Leo tells Special Olympics athletes they ‘remind everyone of the true values of life’ Pope Leo XIV to travel 19,000 miles on 14 flights during trip to Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay Lourdes fully covers Rupnik mosaics ahead of Pope Leo visit, citing care for abuse survivors Embrace ‘deep spiritual bonds’ between Jews and Catholics, says bishop in Yom Kippur message Priests, pastoral leaders have permission to do less, do it better, pope says Copyright © 2020 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops Print
