NBA players Kyle Korver, Jonathan Isaac, Marco Belinelli, Sterling Brown and Anthony Tolliver went to the Vatican on Monday to meet with Pope Francis and discuss social justice issues.

The productive meeting with one of the world’s most influential figures “provided the opportunity for the Players to discuss their individual and collective efforts addressing social and economic injustice and inequality occurring in their communities.”

CBS Sports reports that Pope Francis is reported to have praised the NBA stars for their fight for social justice and being role models.

“You’re champions,” said Pope Francis. “But also giving the example of teamwork, you’ve become a model, giving that good example of teamwork but always remaining humble … and preserving your own humanity.”

The Pope has been doing a lot of reformative work lately and shining a light on the injustices occurring globally brings a step towards change.

“We are extremely honored to have had this opportunity to come to the Vatican and share our experiences with Pope Francis,” Korver said in a release. “His openness and eagerness to discuss these issues was inspiring and a reminder that our work has had a global impact and must continue moving forward.”

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“Today’s meeting was an incredible experience,”added Tolliver in the statement. “With the Pope’s support and blessing, we are excited to head into this next season reinvigorated to keep pushing for change and bringing our communities together.”