Professor Antonio Giordano Shows SHRO’s Cancer Research Project to Pope Leo XIV

Vatican City, June 2025 — During a special audience organized by the National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), His Holiness Pope Leo XIV welcomed Professor Antonio Giordano, Founder and President of the Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO). The meeting brought together some of the most distinguished representatives of the Italian American community.

On this occasion, Professor Giordano had the honor of presenting SHRO’s latest translational research initiative focused on women’s cancers, a cutting-edge program operating between Italy and the United States with the goal of bringing laboratory discoveries to clinical application. As part of this presentation, Professor Giordano introduced a symbolic accessory: the SHRO tie, created in partnership with the historic Neapolitan atelier Cilento 1780. Alongside the tie, a special silk scarf was also unveiled, both designed to raise awareness about cancer prevention in women.

This initiative carries a profound meaning. Proceeds from the sale of the SHRO tie will directly support a scholarship fund for young researchers working in SHRO laboratories in Philadelphia (Race Street and Temple University) as well as in SHRO’s research centers across Italy. The initiative aims to empower early-career scientists and advance SHRO’s commitment to gender-specific oncology research.

“Pope Leo XIV expressed sincere interest and appreciation for our commitment,” stated Professor Giordano. “Sharing with him the significance of this tie and the message it represents was one of the most moving experiences of my life. I truly believe that even a simple accessory can become a symbol of hope, knowledge, and cooperation. Thanks to our partnership with Cilento 1780, we are turning style into support for women’s health research.”

The SHRO tie is the result of a creative synergy with Cilento 1780, one of the oldest tailoring houses in Italy and a longstanding symbol of Neapolitan elegance and artisanal excellence.

“We immediately embraced Professor Giordano’s proposal,” said Ugo Cilento, the eighth-generation head of the maison. “We believe fashion can be a powerful tool for social responsibility. This tie is not only about style, but also about making a tangible contribution to a meaningful cause. Supporting science means supporting life and it is an honor for us to take part in such an important project.”

The SHRO tie is available at Cilento 1780 boutiques in Naples and Milan, as well as online at www.cilento1780.it.

For further information or to support the initiative: [email protected]