Pope Francis: A Lifelong Love Affair with “The Lovely Game”
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Pope Francis, a man known for his global influence and spiritual leadership, harbored a deep passion for soccer, a sport he believed possessed the power to unite people. The Pope, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88, saw the sport as more than just a game; he viewed it as a tool for education, a bridge across cultural divides, and a path to peace.
Football is a team sport. You can’t have fun alone
,the Pope told a gathering of young athletes and coaches at the Vatican in 2019,emphasizing the sport’s ability to foster camaraderie and shared purpose.
If it is lived in this way, it can have a good effect on the mind and heart in a society irritated by subjectivism.
Like countless Argentine children, the young Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s childhood was intertwined with soccer. He spent countless hours playing with friends on the streets and the “potreros” – the dusty, makeshift fields of his Flores neighborhood in Buenos Aires [[3]]. This early exposure instilled in him a lifelong thankfulness for the sport’s simple joys and profound lessons.
Despite his enthusiasm, Pope Francis humbly admitted that his soccer skills were less than stellar. In his autobiography,he jokingly recalled being referred to as “hard feet,” a testament to his lack of natural talent. This self-deprecating humor endeared him to fans and highlighted his understanding that passion and dedication are more important than innate ability.
A lifelong supporter of San Lorenzo, a club founded by priest Lorenzo Massa in 1908, pope Francis remained a devoted fan throughout his life. The club’s supporters, known as “Los Cuervos” (The Crows) due to the founder’s black cassock, held a special place in his heart. He fondly remembered the team’s captivating style during their championship-winning season in 1946.
In 2014, a year after Bergoglio’s ascension to the papacy, San lorenzo achieved a historic milestone by winning their first Copa Libertadores, South America’s most prestigious club tournament. In a gesture of gratitude and respect, the club’s board of directors and players presented the trophy to Pope Francis at the vatican. the club further honored him by naming their future stadium after him,recognizing his unwavering support by maintaining his membership with the fan number 88235.
The GOAT Debate: Pope Francis Weighs In
In a 2023 interview, Pope Francis waded into the age-old debate of who reigns supreme as the greatest soccer player of all time. When asked to choose between his Argentine compatriots, Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, both World Cup winners of different generations, the Pope offered a surprising response.
I add a third – I add Pelé
, he declared.
Pope Francis had the privilege of meeting all three legends. He met Pelé, a devout Catholic and three-time World cup champion, before becoming Pope. Later, as pontiff, he welcomed both Messi and Maradona to the Vatican.
While acknowledging Maradona’s exceptional talent on the field, Pope Francis also addressed the player’s personal struggles.
Maradona as a footballer was great. but as a man, he failed
, he stated, referencing maradona’s battles with substance abuse and health issues, which ultimately led to his death in 2020 at the age of 60.
Maradona was revered by people who in the end did not help him
,the Pope added,highlighting the importance of supporting athletes beyond their on-field achievements.
He described Messi, who lifted the 2022 World Cup trophy, as
very correct
and a gentleman.
But for me, of the three, the great gentleman is Pelé
, the Pope concluded, emphasizing the Brazilian icon’s sportsmanship and character.
In a message read during a tribute to Pelé in Rio de Janeiro a year after his death in 2022,Pope Francis stated that
many of the virtues necessary for sport,such as perseverance,stability,and moderation,are also part of the Christian virtues. Pelé was undoubtedly an athlete who showed these positive qualities of sport in his life.
A World Cup Missed: A Promise Kept
Despite his deep love for soccer,Pope Francis famously abstained from watching television.He made a promise to Our Lady of Carmen in 1990 to wholly avoid TV, a commitment he upheld throughout his life.
Instead, he relied on the radio to stay informed and listen to soccer matches until he moved to Rome. Once in the Vatican, his Swiss Guards would keep him updated on the scores of San Lorenzo games and Argentina’s progress in international competitions.
It was through this indirect channel that he learned of Argentina’s dramatic victory over France in the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, securing their third World Cup title after a tense penalty shootout.
While celebrating the passion and excitement of soccer, Pope Francis consistently spoke out against fanaticism and violence that often marred the sport [[2]]. He urged players to maintain humility and never forget their roots, reminding them of the responsibility that came with their platform.
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Do not forget were you come from. Those fields in the suburbs, that place of prayer, that little club
, he said in his 2019 speech.
I hope you can always feel grateful for your story, which is made of sacrifices, victories, and battles, to be great in life: this is a victory for all of us
.
Pope Francis’s Soccer Legacy: Key Data and Insights
Pope Francis’s passion for “the beautiful game” extended beyond mere fandom; it encompassed a deep understanding of soccer’s societal impact. The following table encapsulates key aspects of his relationship with the sport, highlighting his favourite team, player preferences, and views on the game’s role in society.
| Aspect | Details | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Favorite Team | San Lorenzo (Argentina) | Lifelong support; member with fan number 88235. The club named their future stadium in his honor. |
| Greatest Player (GOAT) | Pelé | Prioritized character and sportsmanship. Met Pelé before ascending too the papacy, and later Messi and Maradona. |
| Maradona’s Assessment | “Great as a footballer, but as a man, he failed.” | Acknowledged Maradona’s struggles and the lack of support he received. |
| Messi Assessment | “Very correct” and a “gentleman.” | Demonstrated respect for Messi’s conduct on and off the field. |
| World Cup Viewing | Relied on radio updates and, later, information from the Swiss Guard. | Maintained a promise to abstain from television viewing, showcasing dedication. |
| Views on Soccer’s Role | Tool for education,bridge across cultural divides,path to peace. | Saw soccer’s potential to promote camaraderie, shared purpose, and social harmony. |
This table offers a concise overview of Pope Francis’s deep connection to the world of soccer, providing valuable insights into his choices, perspectives, and the values he championed. “the beautiful game” served as a significant touchstone in his life, reflecting his broader philosophy of faith, community, and global connection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This section addresses common queries about Pope Francis’s love for soccer, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of his passion and its context.
What soccer team did Pope Francis support?
pope Francis was a lifelong supporter of San Lorenzo,an Argentine club founded in 1908. He remained a devoted fan throughout his life, holding membership with the fan number 88235.
who did Pope Francis consider the greatest soccer player of all time?
When asked about the GOAT, Pope Francis included Pelé along with his fellow countrymen, Maradona and Messi, emphasizing his admiration for the Brazilian icon’s character and sportsmanship.
Did Pope Francis watch soccer on television?
No, Pope francis abstained from watching television. He made a promise in 1990 to our Lady of Carmen and adhered to it throughout his life. He instead relied on the radio and, later, information from the Swiss Guard for updates on matches.
What were Pope Francis’s views on diego Maradona?
Pope Francis acknowledged Maradona’s extraordinary talent as a footballer, but also addressed his personal struggles and the lack of support he received. He respected maradona’s skill but was critical of his life choices.
How did Pope francis view soccer’s role in society?
He considered the sport a tool for education,a bridge across cultural divides,and a path to peace. He saw its potential to foster camaraderie, shared purpose, and social harmony, emphasizing the importance of values like teamwork and respect.
How did San Lorenzo honor Pope Francis?
In recognition of his lifelong support, San Lorenzo’s board of directors and players presented the Copa Libertadores trophy to pope Francis in 2014. They also announced their future stadium would be named after him.
Did Pope Francis ever meet the soccer legends he spoke about?
Yes, Pope Francis had the privilege of meeting all three legends: Pelé, Maradona, and Messi. He met Pelé before becoming Pope and later welcomed both Messi and Maradona to the Vatican.
