Release from 04.11.2026

Graz99ers meet Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican

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A delegation of the reigning champions Moser Medical Graz99ers was received by Pope Leo XIV in Rome on Wednesday. The Styrians presented the Pope with a custom-made jersey bearing the number 99.

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The twelve-member delegation, led by president Herbert Jerich, general manager Bernd Vollmann, head coach Dan Lacroix and assistant captain Manuel Ganahl, attended the general audience in St. Peter's Square together with Styrian diocesan bishop Wilhelm Krautwaschl and was then received by Pope Leo XIV. The reigning win2day ICE Hockey League champions are the first Austrian ice hockey club to be received by a Pope.
 
As gifts, the Graz delegation brought an orange jersey in the design of this season's Champions Hockey League edition, featuring "LEO XIV" and the number 99, as well as a Graz99ers scarf. In their conversation with the Pope, the club representatives highlighted the international character of the win2day ICE Hockey League, which brings together clubs from several countries. The Pope, known as a keen sports fan, wished the team every success in defending their title. President Jerich and his family also presented a certificate for a donation of 20,000 euros to one of the Pontifical Mission Societies.
 
"These were incredible moments. Feelings like these cannot be described, you have to experience them yourself," said president Herbert Jerich. General manager Bernd Vollmann added: "The fact that our work and our successes as the Graz99ers family are recognized and appreciated in this way fills us with great gratitude."
 
Photo: Vatican Media