Pope Francis, known for his deep affection for soccer, maintained a lifelong passion for the sport throughout his time as the leader of the Catholic Church. As an ardent supporter of the Argentine club San Lorenzo, he often echoed the sentiment that soccer is the most beautiful game in the world. Beyond the sport’s aesthetics, Francis frequently highlighted its values of camaraderie, fellowship, and teamwork as antidotes to the growing individualism seen in society today.
The Pope, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88, often shared his thoughts on the communal aspects of soccer. During a gathering at the Vatican in 2019, he addressed Italian youth, soccer players, and coaches, emphasizing that soccer is a team sport that cannot be enjoyed alone. He believed that when played with a team spirit, soccer can positively impact both the mind and heart, counteracting the solitary focus prevalent in modern society.
Growing up in Buenos Aires, young Jorge Mario Bergoglio, as Francis was known before becoming Pope, immersed himself in soccer like many Argentine children. He spent countless hours playing with friends on the streets and makeshift fields known as “potreros” in his Flores neighborhood. Though he considered his own soccer skills lacking, earning the nickname “hard foot,” his love for the game never waned.
His dedication to San Lorenzo was a family tradition. The club, founded by priest Lorenzo Massa in 1908, had a significant influence on young Bergoglio. He admired the team’s vibrant play style, particularly when they secured the local championship in 1946, and he retained the memory of their entire lineup throughout his life. The club achieved its first Copa Libertadores victory in 2014, shortly after Francis became pope, and its leaders even brought the trophy to the Vatican to share the triumph with him.
In recognition of his lifelong support, San Lorenzo’s future stadium was to be named in his honor. Pope Francis, who held membership number 88,235, maintained his affiliation with the club until his passing.
In discussions about soccer’s greatest players, Francis offered his unique perspective. In a 2023 interview with Italian television, when asked to choose between Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, two Argentine legends, he included a third contender, Pelé. Francis had met the Brazilian soccer icon before becoming pope, and later met Maradona and Messi during his papacy. While acknowledging Maradona’s brilliance on the field, Francis noted his personal struggles. Conversely, he praised Messi for his decorum and hailed Pelé as the epitome of a gentleman among the three.
Reflecting on Pelé’s legacy, Francis lauded the late athlete for embodying virtues such as perseverance and temperance, which he believed aligned with Christian values. This acknowledgment was shared in a tribute held in Rio de Janeiro a year after Pelé’s death.
Despite his deep connection to soccer, Pope Francis refrained from watching matches on television due to a vow made to the Virgin of Carmen in 1990. Instead, he kept up with the sport through the radio and, after moving to the Vatican, relied on members of the Swiss Guard to update him on results. This was how he learned of Argentina’s triumph at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
While celebrating the game, Francis consistently spoke against the fanaticism and violence that can tarnish it. He urged top players to remain humble and remember their roots, reminding them of the humble fields and small clubs where they began their journeys. His message was one of gratitude for life’s journey, marked by sacrifice, victories, and battles, emphasizing that true greatness lies in leading a life of humility and thankfulness.
