As part of the NBA’s ongoing efforts to promote social justice, a delegation of players and representatives from the National Basketball Players Association went to the Vatican for a meeting Monday with Pope Francis, according to ESPN.
The meeting was scheduled quickly after an assistant to Pope Francis reached out to the NBAPA last week and informed the organization that the Pope “wanted to learn more about how players had recently brought attention to pressing social justice issues and economic inequality — and what they planned for the future.”
Players who traveled to the Vatican for the meeting — which was set to be held in the papal library of the Apostolic Palace — include Kyle Korver, Sterling Brown, Jonathan Isaac, Anthony Tolliver and Marco Belinelli.
“We are extremely honored to have had this opportunity to come to the Vatican and share our experiences with Pope Francis,” Korver said in a release from the NBAPA. “His 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.”
Michele Roberts, the executive director of the players’ union, also made the trip.
“This meeting validates the power of our Players’ voices,” Robert said. “That one of the most influential leaders in the world sought to have a conversation with them demonstrates the influence of their platforms. I remain inspired by our Players’ continued commitment to serve and support our community.”
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