Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away on April 21, 2025, at 88. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, announced his death, stating, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.”
Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis was known for his humility, dedication to the marginalised, and efforts to modernise the Catholic Church. He also had a profound love for sports, particularly football, which he viewed as a means to promote unity and social development.
Pope Francis was a lifelong supporter of the Argentine football club San Lorenzo de Almagro. His father played basketball for the club, and the young Jorge often attended matches with his family. Even after ascending to the papacy, he maintained his membership and was photographed holding the team’s jersey, an image that was later displayed in the FIFA Museum in Zurich.
In August 2013, Pope Francis met with players from the Italian and Argentine national teams, including Lionel Messi and Gianluigi Buffon, ahead of a friendly match in Rome. He also had multiple meetings with Diego Maradona, who participated in the Pope’s educational initiative, Scholas Occurrentes. Maradona once remarked, “I’m his biggest fan.”
Pope Francis often spoke about the spiritual and social value of sports. He believed that sports could foster teamwork, discipline, and moral strength. In a 2018 letter, he described sport as a “meeting place where people of all levels and social conditions come together to reach a common aim.” He also emphasised that “the most beautiful victories are those you win as a team.”
Pope Francis’s passion for sports was not merely a personal interest but a reflection of his broader vision for a more inclusive and compassionate world. He saw sports as a tool to bridge divides, promote peace, and uplift the underprivileged. His legacy will continue to inspire both the faithful and sports enthusiasts around the globe.
In the meantime, following the death of His Holiness Pope Francis, the Serie A has announced that all the football matches scheduled for today will be postponed as the Catholic Church enters a period of mourning.
