Pope Francis' Endless Love for San Lorenzo

Pope Francis passed away on April 21.

This is the team that Pope Francis has devoted all his life to, surpassing all the glory and noise of the big names in the football world of the Tango country.

San Lorenzo is not just a football team in the eyes of Pope Francis, but an inseparable part of his childhood memories. Before becoming the head of the Catholic Church, Jorge Mario Bergoglio - Pope Francis' real name - attached his heart to the colors of this team.

This special bond is not only about support from afar, but also expressed through concrete and emotional actions, from proudly wearing the jersey of your favorite team to sincere congratulations sent to San Lorenzo during the team's peak moments.

"For me, San Lorenzo is a family team," Pope Francis once shared with undisguised emotion. "My father played for the club's basketball team. My mother often took us to the Gasometro stadium. I still remember the 1946 squad, when San Lorenzo was a truly outstanding team."

The love affair with San Lorenzo dates back to Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s childhood, when his entire family had a special affection for the team. From the bustling afternoons at the Gasometro stadium to the thrilling nights watching the team play, that love permeated his soul and became an indispensable part of his life.

As he ascends to the highest position of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis still cherishes and maintains his relationship with the football team that accompanied him through his youthful years.

2014 marked a memorable moment when San Lorenzo won the Copa Libertadores, the most prestigious club tournament in South America. Although on an official visit to South Korea, Pope Francis did not forget to send warm congratulations to his beloved team: "I would like to send a special greeting to the champions of the Americas, San Lorenzo, who have become an inseparable part of my cultural identity."

The Pope's love of football is not limited to his personal passion but is also expressed through his humanitarian activities. A clear proof was when he organized a friendly match between Argentina and AS Roma in 2016 to raise funds for victims of the catastrophic earthquake in Amatrice.

The match brought together many bright stars, including the legendary Francesco Totti, deeply demonstrating the Pope's vision in connecting football with meaningful social activities.

Pope Francis is a fan of San Lorenzo.

An unforgettable iconic image was when Pope Francis appeared in a San Lorenzo shirt near St. Peter's Basilica shortly after his coronation in 2013. The shirt was later displayed at the FIFA museum in Zurich, becoming the only item from a South American club to have the honor of being there.

During a meeting with Lionel Messi at the Vatican, Pope Francis did not hesitate to praise the talent of his fellow superstar, but also subtly mentioned another name that he considered "the greatest": "Messi is certainly a great gentleman, but of these three, in my opinion, the best is still Pelé". This was a memorable moment between two outstanding icons, when Pope Francis showed his objectivity and sincere love for the greats in the history of world football.

The special bond between Pope Francis and San Lorenzo transcends all boundaries of time and space. Even though he holds the highest position in the Catholic Church, he still maintains his affection for the football team that was his childhood.

San Lorenzo, one of Argentina's biggest clubs, also boasts a special fan like Pope Francis, who has always been an integral part of their history and identity.

With his affectionate gestures and heartfelt congratulations, Pope Francis proved that his connection with San Lorenzo is not simply a love of football, but a deep part of Argentina’s cultural and historical story. It is proof that, regardless of one’s position in society, the love of football can remain as strong and pure as it was in the early days.

Source: https://znews.vn/tinh-yeu-bat-tan-cua-giao-hoang-francis-danh-cho-san-lorenzo-post1547714.html