President Milatovic Gifted Pope Tennis Racket
Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican to discuss sport and history.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Tennis
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During an official visit to the Vatican in October 2026, Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic presented Pope Leo XIV with a tennis racket. The exchange led to a conversation about tennis, during which the Pope noted that Novak Djokovic is Serbian.
Why it matters
The meeting aimed to strengthen diplomatic ties between Montenegro and the Holy See, with the tennis racket chosen as a symbol of modern Montenegro because the Pope is a fan of the sport.
President Milatovic gifted a tennis racket featuring state symbols and a reproduction of the 1886 Concordat between Montenegro and the Holy See. These items were presented alongside traditional filigree work inspired by Dobrota lace.
The players
Jakov Milatovic
Jakov Milatovic is the President of Montenegro who led the official delegation to the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV is the head of the Catholic Church and the sovereign of the Vatican City State.
Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic is a world-renowned professional tennis player from Serbia.
Pietro Parolin
Pietro Parolin is a Cardinal who met with the Montenegrin President following the exchange with the Pope.
The details
President Milatovic presented the gifts to Pope Leo XIV before holding subsequent meetings with Cardinal Pietro Parolin. The President used the occasion to formally invite the Pope to visit Montenegro in the future.
Timeline
1886: The Concordat between Montenegro and the Holy See was originally signed.
October 2026: President Milatovic visited the Vatican for an official meeting.
Season Trajectory
The exchange of the 1886 Concordat reproduction follows a historical precedent established by the original signing of the document. This visit highlights ongoing efforts to maintain diplomatic continuity between the two states.
The Pope's recognition of Novak Djokovic highlights the tennis star's global cultural impact. No specific changes to professional tennis standings or schedules resulted from this diplomatic visit.
The takeaway
Diplomatic exchanges often utilize personal interests, such as the Pope's passion for tennis, to foster warmer relations between sovereign nations. President Milatovic demonstrated how cultural icons like Novak Djokovic can bridge conversations between political and religious leaders.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by Telegraf.
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