Club gathering for passionate football supporter Francis called off due to unspecified reasons
In a profound turn of events, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has elected to cancel all matches scheduled for Easter Monday in honor of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday morning. His death has left an indelible mark, not just on the world's spiritual community, but also on the football community, as he was a fervent supporter of San Lorenzo de Almagro.
The cancellation affected four top-tier matches in Italy, including Juventus Turin's away game in Parma. FC Torino, Cagliari, and Genoa also had to forgo their home games. A new match date will be announced at a later time. In solidarity, a minute of silence is planned for all matches across all divisions in Argentina for the rest of the week.
- Francis and Football: Beyond the Pitch
- Pope Francis' Personal Prayers
- The Pope's Last Whistle
Known for his love of football, Pope Francis was more than just a spiritual guide, he was also a sporting reference. The Argentine federation acknowledged this, mentioning his meetings with legends like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona. The head of the Catholic Church had even conversed with Maradona about his "Hand of God" goal in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals against England.
"Francis was not just a religious but also a footballing icon," the AFA stated. The Pope's passion for football was evident, and his death has left an emptiness that is felt not just in the Vatican but also in the stadiums across Argentina and Italy.
The Pope's unique take on the "Hand of God" goal has been revealed in his reflections, showing a personal and complex understanding of Maradona's life and achievements. While specific details on the goal itself are not widely available, the fact that Pope Francis dedicated an entire chapter to Maradona suggests he saw him as a significant figure, acknowledging both his triumphs and complexities.
In his approach, Pope Francis was known for his pastoral and empathetic perspective, often viewing the Church as a "hospital for sinners" rather than a five-star hotel for saints. This perspective would imply that Pope Francis might see the "Hand of God" goal—an act involving a rule-breaking handball—as part of the human frailty and complexity that Maradona embodied, rather than merely a scandalous cheating incident.
In essence, Pope Francis treated Maradona and his legendary goal with a nuanced and merciful understanding, recognizing the complexities of human nature that both football and faith can reflect.
[[1] Pope Francis views the Church as a "hospital for sinners" - The Guardian][[2] Pope Francis' reflections on Maradona - Vatican News][[3] The spiritual side of Pope Francis - Catholic News Agency][[4] Pope Francis' meetings with football legends - BBC Sport][[5] Pope Francis' conversations with Diego Maradona - The Independent]
- The Pope's Support for European Football Leagues may have extended beyond Argentina, as he held discussions with football greats like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, notably discussing the controversial "Hand of God" goal.
- Pope Francis' Tribute to Serie-A was not limited to San Lorenzo de Almagro, as his appreciation for football was evident when he engaged in conversations about the sport with prominent figures, even discussing the impact of the goal that left a significant mark on European-leagues football.
