Pope Francis, Messi & Copa Amrica: Latest News & Updates
Did the passing of Pope Francis, at the age of 88, also mark the end of an era for Argentinian football fandom? He was, after all, the only Argentinian who missed witnessing Lionel Messi's triumph in the 2022 World Cup, a testament to his life's other passions.
The world mourned the loss of Pope Francis, a figure of global influence and a devoted follower of the beautiful game. Argentina, in particular, felt the weight of this absence. The Argentinian Football Association swiftly postponed all scheduled matches on the Monday following his death, a gesture of respect for a man who had been an ardent supporter of the sport and, in particular, the fortunes of the Buenos Aires-based San Lorenzo team.
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Died | N/A (Information required for completion as the prompt states about his passing) |
| Education | Master's Degree in Chemistry |
| Religious Affiliation | Catholic |
| Career and Professional Information | Details |
| Profession | Pope of the Catholic Church, Bishop of Rome |
| Elected Pope | March 13, 2013 |
| Previous Roles | Archbishop of Buenos Aires (1998-2013), Cardinal (2001) |
| Known For | His emphasis on mercy, social justice, and interreligious dialogue. |
| Favorite Team | San Lorenzo (Argentina) |
| Website Reference | Official Website of the Holy See |
The bond between Pope Francis and San Lorenzo was more than just a casual fandom; it was a deep-seated connection. The team's successes seemed to coincide with his papacy. In 2014, a year after he assumed the role of Pope, San Lorenzo clinched their first Copa Libertadores title, the preeminent club competition in South America, akin to Europe's Champions League. The club's board of directors and a group of players made a special visit to the Vatican to celebrate the victory, a testament to the Pope's significant influence and his role as a spiritual figurehead. Months later, the team also became the Argentine champions, marking a period of exceptional performance under his tenure.
This was not the first time that the Pope had a connection with the world of football, but there was a special link between him and the club. San Lorenzo, who had seen remarkable advancements after Francis was elected as the 266th Pope in March 2013, won a national title in 2013 and, a year later, claimed the Copa Libertadores title for the very first time. His influence was felt in Buenos Aires and beyond.
The Pope's affection for soccer was well-known. Following a heartwarming meeting with Lionel Messi, the iconic Argentinian soccer player, Pope Francis delivered a moving address, focused on the values and importance of sports, the emphasis on his words centred on the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and the ability to find lessons in both victory and defeat.
Adding a layer of intrigue to the legacy of Pope Francis, some have even looked at San Lorenzo's meteoric rise after Francis became pope as a sign of his influence. This is the kind of impact that this man had.
Lionel Messi, the world-renowned Argentinian player, is set to begin the Copa Amrica 2024 in Atlanta. With fans gathering outside the team hotel hoping to catch a glimpse of their world champion team. The anticipation is palpable. Conmebol Copa America Messi and Lamine Yamal could face each other, the excitement reaches new heights. This is a match that will catch the eyes of the fans.
The Argentinian national team's triumph in the Copa Amrica, was met with joy and fanfare, and it was a sentiment felt across the globe. At the same time, the victory of Italy at Euro 2020 was lauded. These events were a reason for celebration.
The official website of the Holy See provides a wealth of information, including the magisterium of the supreme pontiffs, from Pope Leo XIII to Pope Francis, the fundamental texts of Catholicism in various languages, such as the Sacred Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the documents of various dicasteries, bodies, and institutions of the Roman Curia. These resources are available to anyone interested in the teachings of the Catholic Church.
The close ties between Pope Francis and the world of sports are exemplified by his support for San Lorenzo, his favorite team. He even gifted Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi a signed shirt of Athletica Vaticana, a gesture that the Vatican side described as a "blessing" for the 2021 Copa America winner. This showed the closeness between the Pope and the sport.
The Copa Amrica final between Argentina and Colombia was unfortunately delayed for over an hour due to crowd control issues. Pope Francis was and remained a big soccer fan.
In other news, Pope Francis's health has been a subject of interest. The recent reports suggest that he is on the road to recovery, with doctors no longer issuing a guarded prognosis. The vatican will not accept donations from south american soccer federation conmebol for a charity sponsored by pope francis, following corruption charges against fifa officials.
The influence of Pope Francis, both within the Catholic Church and in the wider world, is undeniable. His love for soccer, his support for San Lorenzo, and his encounters with figures such as Lionel Messi, only added to his image. Its an example of how a global leader found common ground through sport.
