Pope Francis, an avid football fan and lifelong supporter of San Lorenzo, used his papacy to promote the sport’s power to unite people, meeting with football legends like Messi and Ronaldinho and using football as a platform for peace, before passing away in 2025.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires in 1936, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. Throughout his life, he maintained a profound connection with football, not only as a fan but also as a promoter of its unifying power.

His love for the sport was deeply rooted in his Argentine heritage and remained a significant part of his identity even during his papacy.

From a young age, Bergoglio was an avid supporter of San Lorenzo, a prominent football club in Buenos Aires. Despite his modest playing abilities, he was a dedicated fan and maintained his membership with the club throughout his life.

His passion for the game was evident, and he often spoke about football’s ability to bring people together, transcending cultural and social barriers.

As pope, Francis continued to engage with the football world. He met with numerous football legends, including Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, and Pep Guardiola.

These interactions were not merely ceremonial; they reflected his genuine appreciation for the sport and its players. His meetings with these icons were marked by mutual respect and a shared understanding of football’s global significance.

One of the most notable aspects of Francis’s relationship with football was his commitment to using the sport as a platform for promoting peace and unity.

He was instrumental in organizing the “We Play for Peace” initiative, a series of interfaith football matches aimed at fostering dialogue and understanding among different communities.

The event brought together players from various religious backgrounds, all united by their love for the game and a shared commitment to peace.

Francis’s influence extended beyond organizing events. He used football as a metaphor in his teachings, often likening the Church to a football team, emphasizing teamwork, humility, and collective effort.

His ability to connect with people through the universal language of football made his messages more relatable and impactful.

Despite his deep involvement in the football community, Francis remained a humble figure. He refrained from watching television since 1990 due to a religious promise, relying instead on the radio and updates from the Swiss Guard once he became pope.

This modesty extended to his interactions with football stars; he never sought the limelight but instead used his position to highlight the positive aspects of the sport.

In 2023, Francis surprised many by naming Pelé as the greatest footballer of all time, ahead of Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona.

He praised Pelé for exemplifying Christian virtues like perseverance and temperance, highlighting that true greatness in sports and life stems from values and gratitude.

Following his death, tributes poured in from the football community. Messi described Francis as “a different pope, close to us, Argentinean,” expressing gratitude for his efforts to make the world a better place.

In Argentina, the football association postponed all matches in mourning, and San Lorenzo, the club Francis supported, honored him by wearing commemorative jerseys in their upcoming match against Rosario Central.

Pope Francis’s legacy in the football world is a testament to the sport’s power to unite and inspire. His life serves as a reminder that football is more than just a game; it is a vehicle for promoting peace, understanding, and shared humanity.