Rome — Michigan defensive lineman Salim Makki heard his name called by coach Jim Harbaugh at the end of a recent meeting and was stunned.
Harbaugh, in advance of the Michigan football team’s trip to Rome, which will include participating in the general audience with Pope Francis on Wednesday at St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, asked players interested to submit an essay on what it would mean to meet and potentially shake hands with the pope. Harbaugh made clear to them there are no promises the team will have any personal interaction with the pope.