Pope Francis died at the age of 88 at his residence due to a “long asthma respiratory crisis.”
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Pope Francis was not a spiritual leader of over a billion Catholics. He was also a lifelong soccer fan. And most of all, he is a dedicated fan of San Lorenzo de Altuna.
Childhood love never faded
His love for El Cicron, the nickname of San Lorenzo, began early. In 1946, although not yet ten years old, the young Jorge attended his first San Lorenzo match, where he fell in love with the club and idolatry star striker, Renépontoni.
Decades later, Pope Francis was able to mention that he never forgot about players like Rinaldo Martino and Armando Faro, not forgetting San Lorenzo’s eleven start. He became a lifelong society (member) of the Buenos Aires Club and proudly held membership number 88,235.
From cardinal to the pope, but always Crubo
He made the church ranks in time, but he remained faithful to San Lorenzo. “Pope Francis lives in a permanent state of suffering in San Lorenzo,” one of his best friends pointed to a deep emotional bond with a team in the Boedo district of Buenos Aires.
After his election as Pope, San Lorenzo paid tribute in a unique way. During the match against Colon, the player wore a jersey printed on his face. In 2014, when the club won the prestigious Coparibatadores, the team flew straight to the Vatican and presented the trophy to their most famous fans. Visibly moved, the Pope received a personalized shirt and cup replica. “San Lorenzo is part of my cultural identity,” he declared.
Homage to San Lorenzo’s most famous fans
Following news of his death, San Lorenzo released a moving tribute. “He wasn’t even alone. He was always one of us.
He always shared his passion for Elzicron. He saw the 1946 team when he was on the old gas metro to see the 1946 team, when he was always welcomed the visit of Azurgrana, when he was always welcomed with joy at Azurgrana. From Jorge Mario Bergolio to Francis, his love for El Cicron never changed.
Today, surrounded by deep sadness from San Lorenzo, we say to Francis: parting, thank you, and forever! We will be together forever! ”
Credit: San Lorenzo
Football, the soul of Pope Francis
For Pope Francis, soccer was by no means just a game. It, like many Argentines, was part of his soul, and mixed it with his responsibility as Pope. Although his faith can be said to have shaped the whole world, his love for San Lorenzo showed his humanity.
And this is a reminder that even the most powerful spiritual figure on the planet could cheer on his boyhood club and still be a passionate football fan.
