Argentinean National Team
I see you, Pipita, peeking over the Pontiff’s shoulder! The Argentine & Italian national teams met with soccer mad Pope Francis (he supports San Lorenzo) today in advance of their much anticipated friendly tomorrow.
Italian National Team
The Pope spoke of his concern about racism & violence in the sport. The only person that got a private audience with him was Mario Balotelli, who has regularly been the target of racism: “A Vatican spokesman, the Rev. Ciro Benedettini, said Balotelli looked “emotional” after their talk but that the player declined to say what he discussed with Francis.”
Mario & His Holiness
More pictures of the Azzurri than the Albiceleste have shown up, but hopefully I’ll find more soon. Wish I could see Fideo in that first picture – not the best shot and he’s so skinny, he could be behind someone and we’d never know.
“Um, what do I do with this potted plant?”
Pirlo’s beard meets the Pope
The Pope mentioned that he wouldn’t be able to attend the match because of security concerns. He apparently tends to go free range and drive his security detail nuts so they put the kibosh on this outing.
In addition to that potted plant from Gigi & Messi, he was given a signed shirt from each team. The Pope also is getting himself an impressive collection of jerseys. He received one from La Roja back in April and that’s just one of many (in the linked article, there’s a slide show of some of his acquistions.)
He dodged the question of whether he would give a papal blessing to his home country’s team by saying that he was glad it was a friendly and didn’t affect the standings. HA! He’s totally gonna root for Argentina but doesn’t want to piss off Italy. I love that we have a footy pope. San Lorenzo is probably psyched that he’s on their side. Check out how happy he looked when someone gave him a San Lorenzo jersey after the Easter services.
I kinda wish he was a Real Madrid fan but hey, as long as he’s not rocking a Barca jersey, I’m cool. 😉
Updated: Pipa posted a “before” shot and Lavezzi decided to cop a squat on the papal throne. As you do. Cheeky!
– Lozil
Of Headbands and Heartbreak
watishistacorrespondents
Of Headbands and Heartbreak... 
I’m equal parts soccer-obsessed and Catholic, so I think this is pretty much the best thing ever. The comments about it being a friendly, the audience with Mario, the looks on everyone’s faces (it’s hard to say who’s more delighted to meet who, in some cases!)… Love it.
I was raised Catholic as well (too many years of Catholic school to even think about!).
The Pope looks as thrilled as they do. It’s nice. 🙂
This might be the first pope I really LIKE 😀
Pipa in suit. It still hurts… I’m kind of still in denial that he won’t be playing for us anymore. Is it only me?
Not just you. It’s killing me. I have a bunch of Napoli stuff to post when I get a minute.
Nope you are def not the only one in denial here. He will always be a Madridista for me in my heart.
as a fellow catholic i love this man 🙂 he is so joyful and i love his comments, we know who you’re gonna root for :D.
LOOK AT HIS DELIGHTED FACE! so cute.
and gonzalo in a suit! this is so much better than what he’d choose for himself. bless the argentine NT for putting them in suits that fit so nicely 🙂
The Pope appears as enamoured of Pirlo’s beard as the rest of us! And the side-eye to Messi…hahaha.
Pretty hilarious stuff, isn’t it? 🙂
So cute! I would love to see Pope’s reactions to the match 🙂
Aww, Pope Francis is so adorable…love the fact that he’s gonna try to be neutral tomorrow lol 🙂
Levezzi seems like a good time. Always a cheeky grin on his face. 😀 He looks very comfortable in that chair.
So what happened between the Pope and Balotelli? I imagine something like this:
The Holy Father slaps the side of Mario’s head: “Wise up! You have the skills of a brilliant footballer but the mentality of a spoiled 12-year old! Keep that up and you will run out of teams to play for! But for now, you sit on the bench and let Argentina win and I’ll put in a good word for you at the Pearly Gates.”
And that’s why ‘Balotelli looked “emotional” after their talk.’