Pope Francis’ favourite football team have shared an emotional tribute following his death on Easter Monday morning.
Confirmed by the Vatican, the first-ever Latin American pontiff died at the age of 88 – with all football matches scheduled for Monday postponed as a mark of respect.
Hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Pope was a lifelong supporter of his local team, San Lorenzo, who play in the country’s top division.
On X, they wrote: ‘He was never just one of us, but always one of us. Cuervo as a child and as a man… Cuervo as a priest and Cardinal… Cuervo as Pope too…
‘He always transmitted his passion for Ciclon: when he went to the Viejo Gasómetro to see the ’46 team, when he confirmed Angelito Correa in the Ciudad Deportiva chapel, when he received Barça visitors at the Vatican, always with total happiness… Member No. 88235.
Pope Francis was confirmed dead at the age of 88 on Monday morning
The Pope was a lifelong San Lorenzo fan after growing up in Buenos Aires, Argentina
The club posted an emotional tribute to the late Pope following the news of his death
‘From Jorge Mario Bergoglio to Francis, there was one thing that never changed: his love for the Cyclone.
‘Wrapped in deep sorrow, from #SanLorenzo today we say to Francis: Goodbye, thank you, and farewell! We will be together for eternity!’
Legendary football coach Jose Mourinho also offered a touching tribute to the late Pope, taking to Instagram to share a picture of Francis along with a message.
He wrote: ‘To be great, above all you need to know how to be small. Humility is the foundation to true greatness.
‘Pope Francisco [heart emoji] Hope is a light in the night. Grande Papa’.
After the announcement of Pope Francis’ passing, bells tolled in church towers across Rome. His death was read out by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, where Francis lived.
‘At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,’ he said.
‘He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.
Jose Mourinho also posted a tribute to the late Pope onto his Instagram page on Monday
The club shared an emotional tribute video that showed the Pope’s support for San Lorenzo
‘With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune.’
In a statement released shortly following the Pope’s death, Serie A put out: ‘Following the passing of the Holy Father, the Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A announces that the matches scheduled for today of the Serie A Enilive and Primavera 1 Championships are postponed to a date to be determined.’
There were due to be four Serie A fixture across Easter Monday starting with Torino versus Udinese (11.30am, BST).
Following that encounter was due to be Cagliari versus Fiorentina (2pm), Genoa versus Lazio (5pm) and Parma versus Juventus (7.45pm) concluding the action.
The late Pope was a big football fan during his life and had many interactions with famous stars and legendary players.
The Pope remembered Maradona in his prayers following his death, and referred to him as the ‘poet of soccer’ after his incredible career that saw him lead Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986.
Meanwhile back in 2013, Lionel Messi and the Pope exchanged gifts. Messi would lead Argentina to the World Cup final the following year.
He also greeted Pep Guardiola during a private audience with his Bayern Munich team in 2014, and Germany’s players – including Thomas Muller – visited him in 2016, two years after winning the World Cup.
