John Calipari loves him some Pope Francis. The Kentucky basketball coach and recruiting savant cashed in on one of the better negotiations he's made in recent memory Wednesday, earning a coveted seat in the house where the Pope addressed Congress.
Coach Cal was bragging about the big event the day before, gushing over the Pope and promising to throw in some prayers for Kentucky's "Big Blue Nation."
Going to see the pope tomorrow in our nation's Capitol. This is going to be one of the highlights of my life.
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) September 24, 2015
Please don't hate me for loving the pope. If I get close enough, I absolutely will kiss his ring.
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) September 24, 2015
I'll be praying for everyone on my prayer list in the pope's presence. I'll throw one in there for the #BBN.
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) September 24, 2015
Calipari was sure to thank Speaker of the House John Boehner for his invitation. Coach Cal said he'd been lobbying Boehner for the past year to be in attendance for the Pope's speech.
Headed to see the pope. I'll be in the gallery for this momentous occasion to see a true servant leader, one who puts our most needy first!
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) September 24, 2015
With @SpeakerBoehner where the pope addressed a crowd outside the Capitol. Begged him for a year to let me be here. pic.twitter.com/2yOsbLzSA3
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) September 24, 2015
Believe me, I would have taken a whole bunch of pictures if they would have let me bring my phone inside. LOL. pic.twitter.com/dxOiCSA65i
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) September 24, 2015
A U.S. House of Representatives member caught a candid shot of Calipari sitting up in the balcony:
Coach #Cal is in the House for #PopeFrancis. Pope is the only person who recruits better than Cal . pic.twitter.com/jO1UgRsO5g
— Steve Cohen (@RepCohen) September 24, 2015
Calipari, an outspoken Catholic, continued to rave about the experience afterward, urging people to listen to the Pope's message of serving others.
Pope Francis talked from the heart. He was so well spoken. You could tell his life has been about servant leadership.
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) September 24, 2015
His care for people is unwavering. He challenged everyone to the golden rule: Treat people how you want to be treated.
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) September 24, 2015
You may not agree with his stance on everything, but you have to love him. What a day.
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) September 24, 2015
No word yet on whether the Pope thinks going 38-0 is more impressive than winning a national championship.
