Pope Francis is a well-known soccer fan, and this weekend he had two key matches to watch: his native Argentina's national team won the South American championship, the Copa America, and Italy won the Eurocup.
Argentina's win came late Saturday night, and was their first Copa America title in 28 years. Italy, where Pope Francis now lives, won the match in penalty kicks against England on Sunday, and is their first European championship win since 1968.
According to a Vatican statement, the Pope shared the joy of Argentina and Italy's national teams with those around him, while considering the meaning of sport, and its ability to help us accept any result, even defeat.
The Vatican quotes the Pope as saying: “Only in this way, in the face of life's difficulties, can one always put oneself on the line, fighting without giving up, with hope and trust.”
While the rest of Italy was celebrating in the streets, Pope Francis continues to convalesce for a few more days in Rome's Gemelli Hospital.
CBM
JM
