Pope Leo XIV received a San Lorenzo jersey on the final day of his apostolic visit to Argentina, marking another intersection between the country’s intense soccer culture and the Vatican.
The presentation took place at the Nunciature, where staff member Facundo Lazarte handed the garment to the pontiff.
During the exchange, Lazarte spoke to the Pope about the history of San Lorenzo and its founder, the priest Lorenzo Massa. The interaction was personal, with the staffer noting that Pope Francis is a known supporter of the club.
Lazarte later shared an image of the moment on Instagram with the caption, “The Pope is a Cuervo,” referring to the club’s nickname. The pontiff listened to the account with a smile.
The gift from San Lorenzo was one of several soccer-related moments during the Pope’s stay in the country.
Earlier in his visit, while at the Pequeño Cottolengo Don Orione, the Pope received a shirt from Estudiantes de La Plata, presented by journalist Marita Duarte of Radio Provincia ahead of the Copa Libertadores final against Palmeiras. His reaction was described as polite, as he accepted the gift before continuing his route.
In another instance, a supporter threw a Boca Juniors jersey toward the popemobile during one of the Pope’s public transits. A member of the papal entourage caught the shirt, examined it, and thanked the individual for the gesture.
Additionally, in Córdoba, the president of the club Instituto, Juan Manuel Cavagliatto, was photographed with his phone held high to record the Pope’s passing through FADEA, an image that circulated widely among local soccer fans.
The intersection of faith and football extended to the streets of Buenos Aires. On Monday, November 9, the papal caravan traveled along Figueroa Alcorta Avenue, passing directly in front of the River Plate stadium, the Monumental, while en route to a mass at the Monumento a los Españoles.
During the same transit, a young fan was photographed holding a sign that read, “Bless River, Pope Leo XIV,” an image that went viral on social media.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) formally bid farewell to the Pope following his departure. In a statement, the organization, led by president Claudio Tapia, expressed gratitude for the pontiff’s presence in the country.
“The Argentina had the honor of receiving the Holy Father in a visit of special significance for our country and for millions of people who find in his message a space for encounter, reflection, and hope,” the AFA said in its official farewell message.
The association highlighted the Pope’s emotional participation in a mass held at the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján, where he embraced symbols of the nation and the religious site.
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