With the 2018 FIFA World Cup set to kick off in Russia, one of the millions of people tuning in will likely be the pontiff himself.
Although Pope Francis has said as a child he was a “patadura” – slang in Spanish meaning “bad player” – the Holy Father's passion for the beautiful game has certainly never waned.
Its influence can be seen even in his philosophies on life, as the pope champions soccer – and sports in general – for the values they promote.
POPE FRANCIS
“And this sport is important because it teaches the players about teamwork. Sports help prevent selfishness.”
POPE FRANCIS
“Life is a bit like the soccer goalkeeper who grabs the ball wherever it comes from. And life must be grasped as it comes.”
Pope Francis is a lifelong supporter of San Lorenzo de Almagro, a Buenos-Aires-based club whose founder was a priest.
However, in his time as pontiff, the Holy Father has welcomed encounters with numerous elite teams and players from around the world. From national squads like Germany... to legendary players like fellow Argentinian Diego Maradona.
Due to their elevated status in the public sphere, Pope Francis usually shares a message with them about their responsibility.
POPE FRANCIS
“Before being champions, you are men, human beings, with your virtues and defects, with a heart and ideas, aspirations and problems. So now, even though you are well known, always remember to be men, in sport and in life. Men, who display humanity.”
Many display this humanity further by showcasing their talents at Vatican-sponsored events for good causes, such as the “matches for peace” convened by the pope.
Now five years into his papacy, Pope Francis has amassed perhaps the world's most extensive soccer jersey collection, though one can be sure he'll be rooting for only one team on the beautiful game's biggest stage: his beloved Argentina.
