numerous people believe that football is the predominant sport beautiful game "In this world, I agree as well," Pope Francis once stated—and during his time as pope, he embodied these words through his actions.
From the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to the grand halls of the Vatican, Pope Francis' affection for soccer was widely known. As a dedicated fan of San Lorenzo, Jorge Mario Bergoglio never hesitated to share his enthusiasm for the sport even from the top position in the Catholic Church.
Upon confirming his death on Monday morning, Italy's Serie A took immediate action by canceling all games planned for that day. Easter Monday , as scheduled, the games will proceed tonight (23 April).
The act held significant emotional resonance — underscoring the strong connection between the pontiff and the sport, seeing it as an emblem of unity, brotherhood, and collaboration. In 2019, addressing a gathering including young Italians, athletes, and trainers at the Vatican, Pope Francis remarked, "Football is about working together; you cannot enjoy it solo." He further emphasized, "When approached this way, it nurtures both mental well-being and spiritual health within a community overwhelmed by individualism."
Like most Argentine children, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was immersed in the world of football from a very early age. He played for hours with friends on pavement or dusty pitches known as “potreros” in his native Flores neighborhood of Buenos Aires.
According to his self-assessment, however, he wasn’t very skilled… In his recently released memoir titled "Hope," Francis mentioned that his abilities were so lacking that he earned the nickname “hard foot.”
Similar to numerous members of his family, he grew into an ardent follower of San Lorenzo, which was established by Father Lorenzo Massa in 1908. In 2014, one year subsequent to him becoming pope, the squad claimed their inaugural Copa Libertadores title—the premier club competition across South America. Both the club’s management and several athletes journeyed to the Vatican with the coveted trophy.
However, for Pope Francis, football transcended mere athleticism; it served as a means for fostering peace, building connections, and promoting human values. In 2014, he organized the Vatican’s " Interreligious Match for Peace inviting participants globally to join a competition.
In that very year, he had a moving encounter with another person from his country. Diego Maradona , whom he referred to as the "bard of football." This was six years prior to the celebrated athlete's passing in 2020.
During his papacy, Francis also had meetings with Lionel Messi , whom many regard as the finest to have ever kicked a ball, and greeted an extensive roster of legendary footballers at the Vatican, including Ronaldinho, Mario Balotelli, Gianluigi Buffon, and Andrea Pirlo, along with the Croatian national team before UEFA EURO 2024.
The Holy G.O.A.T
During an interview with Italy’s RAI television in 2023, Francis shared his opinion on who ranks as the best soccer player ever.
When asked to choose between Maradona and Messi, two world cup-winning captains who redefine their generations, Francis chose yet another beloved player instead.
I will include a third," he stated. "Pelé.
Before his election as pope, he had an encounter with the renowned Brazilian footballer, who was a dedicated Catholic and a thrice-crowned World Cup champion.
"Maradona, as a footballer, was exceptional," Francis commented on the 1986 World Cup champion, "but as an individual, he fell short." The pontiff noted that despite his accomplishments, Maradona battled drug addiction and various health problems before passing away in 2020 at age 60. These individuals, whom the public revered but did not support adequately, were praised by the Pope for their adulation of Maradona.
He referred to Messi, who raised the World Cup trophy in 2022, as "highly principled" and a gentleman.
"But of those three, the great gentleman isPelé," the pope stated.
In a statement read at a tribute to Pelé in Rio de Janeiro, one year following his passing in 2022, Francis remarked, "Many qualities required for athletic pursuits—such as persistence, consistency, and self-control—are aligned with Christian values. There is no doubt that Pelé embodied these commendable traits through his actions throughout his life."
His passion for the sport likewise influenced popular culture. The Two Popes In "The Two Popes," a 2019 biographical drama featuring Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, there's an emotionally resonant moment when Francis and Benedict watch the 2014 FIFA World Cup final —Germany against Argentina—together. Their differing views on theology briefly fade into the background as they bond over their mutual passion for football.
San Lorenzo, who declared earlier this year they would honor him by naming their new stadium after him, shared an heartfelt message on social media upon hearing about his death. The post read: “He wasn’t merely someone else; he was always part of our community. A Cuervo since childhood and adulthood...a Cuervo through priesthood and cardinality...even a Cuervo when he became pope....."
Multiple matches originally set for Monday (23 April) in Serie A will now take place tonight, likely featuring poignant tributes to the pope who consistently showed his passion for football.