ROME, ITALY — Reports emerging from the catacombs of Vatican City suggest Pope Francis may be preparing to make a public statement condemning world number one and tennis super-villain Novak Djokovic, whose wicked behavior in winning the Italian Open caused widespread outrage in the majority Catholic nation.

Pope Francis, a sporting aficionado before assuming the papacy, is said to have taken a keen interest in professional tennis upon hearing of Djokovic's violent transgressions at the US Open—something the Pope seems to believe he must now denounce publicly.

"This young man's recent Mephistophelian conduct has been nothing short of inhuman," proclaimed Father Francis Urban, a communications liaison for the Holy See. "As is his customary riposte to someone so ardently sinister, the Holy Father calls on all good Catholics around the world to pray for the redemption of Novak's soul."

"In time, the unholy spectre looming over the ATP Tour shall justly be banished from this earth. Amen."

European religious observers believe the Pope's extraordinary condemnation of Serbian national hero Djokovic could spark a wave of anti-Catholic resentment in the Balkans, sowing chaos and leading to a holy war of words across the continent.

"We completely support our beloved son of Serbia, the glorious Novak Djokovic, regardless of how patently egregious his sins," said Archbishop Bogdan Stankovic of the Serbian Eastern Orthodox Church. "Our friend the Catholic Pope has once again proven himself to be thoroughly oblivious to the true word of God."

"As Serbians, we must protect Novak from the forces of evil," continued Stankovic. "It is our sacred duty to patrol the internet and belittle anyone who questions his greatness."