The meetings between Pope Francis and Maradona were marked by mutual affection. In fact, the Vatican has reported that Pope Francis prays for the soccer legend that died on Wednesday.
The director of the Holy See's press room, Matteo Bruni, said that Pope Francis 'was informed of the death of Diego Maradona.' He stated that the pontiff ' fondly remembers the times when he met with him in recent years' and that he 'remembers him in his prayers.' He also pointed out that the pope was already praying for the former soccer player in the last few days 'when he was informed of his critical health condition.'
The pope is a well-known soccer fan and is a fan of the San Lorenzo de Almagro team from Argentina. Throughout his pontificate, he met with many soccer players and repeated this message to all of them.
POPE FRANCIS
August 13, 2013
You are very popular: the people watch you both on and off the field
Maradona met with the pope when he participated in the Scholas Occurrentes, an educational initiative promoted by Pope Francis. The soccer legend traveled to Rome to play a 'Match for Peace.' There, Maradona gave fans a chance to see him return to the pitch along with many other soccer legends.
Javier Romero
Translation: Christian Campos
