John Calipari, head coach of the University of Kentucky Wildcats, doesn’t want any part of the negativity surrounding Pope Francis’ visit to the nation’s capital. In fact, Calipari was so pleased to be headed to D.C. to see the Pope that he filled his Twitter feed with his excitement.
Calipari started out on Wednesday evening telling fans how thrilled he was to be headed for D.C. to hear the Pope address a joint meeting of Congress.
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
Seconds later he was warning the “haters” that he was too excited to be deterred with their negativity.
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
The coach also noted that he will be “praying for everyone” on his prayer list and that he’d “throw one in” for the Big Blue Madness!
Early the next morning, Calipari was again pumping his Twitter with his delight to be heading to D.C.
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
Once in the nation’s capitol, he met a few famous folks, too. Among others, Calipari Tweeted a photo of himself standing on a balcony with Speaker of the House John Boehner (R, OH).
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
A little later, Calipari Tweeted several messages over how thrilled he was with the Pope’s message.
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
You may not agree with his stance on everything, but you have to love him. What a day.
— John Calipari (@UKCoachCalipari) September 24, 2015
Calipari has many blessings to be thankful for, too. He led the Wildcats to an NCAA Division Tournament Championship in 2012 and took the team to the NCAA final four in 2011, 2012, 2014, and this year. Earlier this month, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inducted him into its august body.
Follow Warner Todd Huston on Twitter @warnerthuston or email the author at igcolonel@hotmail.com
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