Pope Francis hosts NBA players after season defined by social justice activism The meeting provides an indication of the pontiff’s priorities — and of the reach of athlete activism in the United States. NBA players meet Pope Francis to discuss social justice issuesFive NBA players met with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Monday to discuss social justice issues following a season where combating racial inequality was a dominant theme. N.B.A. Players Meet With Pope Francis on Social Justice EffortsThe players and officials from their union were invited last week to discuss their campaign at the Vatican. NBA players discuss social justice with pope at VaticanFive NBA players have met with Pope Francis at the Vatican to discuss social justice Pope Francis supports NBA players' work to promote social justicePope Francis said he supports NBA players’ work to promote social justice after he met with a handful of players on Monday. Pope salutes NBA 'champions' for work on racial justice during Vatican meetingPope Francis lauded a delegation of NBA players who met with him at the Vatican and said he supported their work on addressing social injustice NBA players meet with Pope Francis at Vatican to discuss social justice, per reportsPope Francis is hosting five NBA players and union president Michele Roberts on Monday, according to multiple reports.