Lamenting the beloved football club of the late Francis
Within mere hours of Pope Francis' burial in Rome, his beloved football club honored him during their match in the Argentinian league. The San Lorenzo players donned jerseys adorned with a patch bearing the Pope's likeness, reading "Together forever - Pope Francis."
Supporting banners extolled the Pope throughout the stands, reflecting his lifelong passion for soccer. As a member of Buenos Aires' top-tier club, San Lorenzo, Pope Francis was deeply connected to the sport. In fact, plans are underway to name the club's upcoming stadium after the late Pontiff.
A Sojourn in the Vatican since his coronation in 2013
After his triumphant election as Pontifex maximus in 2013, Pope Francis never returned to his intrinsically Argentine home. Despite his absence, the people of Argentina mourned the loss of their homegrown Pope.
Following a mass at the Buenos Aires cathedral, residents from economically disadvantaged neighborhoods marched through the city streets, honoring their beloved Pope. A 62-year-old nurse from Villa 21-24, a slum in southern Buenos Aires, encapsulated the mood, telling the "La Nación" newspaper, "We adore him because he served the less fortunate, lifting up the least among us. He was a priest of the streets."
A Legacy that transcends borders
San Lorenzo's tribute to the late Pope serves as a testament to his enduring impact on the people, both in Argentina and beyond. In the footwork and teamwork inherent in soccer, Pope Francis saw lessons of unity, service and kinship -- values he embodied throughout his life and papacy.
In the shadow of their existing stadium, the club commemorated the Pope, laying the groundwork for the monumental changes yet to come in his name[2][3]. It seemed the late Pope's love for the game had left an indelible legacy among the people of Argentina, setting the stage for future generations of players and fans to carry on his fervor for the sport[3].
Enrichment Data:- Timeline: The plan to name the stadium posthumously reflects the deep connection between Pope Francis and San Lorenzo, spanning his years as a fan to his time as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church[3].- Impact: The decision to name the proposed stadium after Pope Francis reflects the profound reverence with which the Argentinian people remember their icon[3].- Legacy: The symbolic gesture of honoring San Lorenzo's beloved Pope underscores the lasting impact of his life and papacy on people worldwide[3].
The San Lorenzo football club, in a poignant tribute following Pope Francis' burial, displayed a patch bearing his likeness on their jerseys during a match in the Argentinian league, reading "Together forever - Pope Francis." The support for Pope Francis, a lifelong soccer enthusiast, extended to banners throughout the stadium. As a member of San Lorenzo and the Argentinian top-tier club, the late Pontiff had a profound connection to sports. His love for football lived on even after his move to the Vatican since his coronation in 2013, and plans are underway to name the club's upcoming stadium after him, commemorating his enduring impact.
The club's decision to name their stadium after Pope Francis serves as a testament to the profound reverence with which the Argentinian people remember their icon. In the footwork and teamwork inherent in soccer, Pope Francis saw lessons of unity, service, and kinship - values he embodied throughout his life and papacy. His legacy, transcending borders, left an indelible mark on the people of Argentina and beyond, setting the stage for future generations of players and fans to carry on his fervor for the sport. Such monumental changes yet to come in his name reflect the deep connection between Pope Francis and San Lorenzo, spanning his years as a fan to his time as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
