The biggest names in the world of soccer will meet at Rome's Olympic Stadium in September for an 'inter-religious match for peace.â? The idea is part Pope Francis' Scholas Occurentes project. He tasked former Argentine captain Javier Zanetti with coordinating the event.
It'll take place on September 1st, at the home of Rome's major soccer teams, not far from the Vatican. Zanetti will not only coordinate, but take part in the match, along with superstars Messi, France's Zinadine Zidane, Italy's Gianluigi Buffon and Francesco Totti, among others.
The purpose is to foster dialogue and promote peaceful coexistence between religions, Zanetti explained. The Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences is also organizing the event, although it's unclear yet whether Pope Francis will attend.
Last year, both Messi and Buffon took the field at the Olympic Stadium for a match in honor of Pope Francis. Argentina came out on top, 2-1. The Pope has constantly praised soccer's ability to bring people together and build relationships.
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