Pope Francis has passed away at the age of 88, at his residence, due to ‘an asthmatic respiratory crisis of prolonged magnitude.’
Born as Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Pope Francis was not just a spiritual leader to over a billion Catholics. He was also a lifelong football enthusiast. And above all, a devoted fan of San Lorenzo de Almagro.
A childhood love that never faded
His love for El Ciclón, San Lorenzo’s nickname, began early. In 1946, not yet 10 years old, young Jorge attended his first San Lorenzo match, where he fell in love with the club and idolized star striker René Pontoni.
Decades later, Pope Francis could still name that starting eleven of San Lorenzo, never forgetting players like Rinaldo Martino or Armando Farro. He became a lifelong socio (member) of the Buenos Aires club, proudly holding membership number 88,235.
From cardinal to Pope, but always a cuervo
He rose in time through the ranks of the Church, but he remained always loyal to San Lorenzo. “Pope Francis lives in a permanent state of suffering for San Lorenzo,” one close friend once said, pointing out the deep emotional bond he had with the team from the Boedo neighborhood in Buenos Aires.
After his election as Pope, San Lorenzo paid tribute in a unique way. During a match against Colón, players wore jerseys printed with his face. In 2014, when the club won the prestigious Copa Libertadores, the team flew straight to the Vatican to present the trophy to their most famous fan. The Pope, visibly moved, received a personalized shirt and a replica of the cup. “San Lorenzo is part of my cultural identity,” he declared.
San Lorenzo’s tribute to its most famous fan
Following the news of his death, San Lorenzo released a moving tribute: “He was never just one more, he was always one of us. A Cuervo as a child and as a man… A Cuervo as a priest and cardinal… A Cuervo even as Pope…
He always shared his passion for El Ciclón: when he used to go to the Old Gasómetro to watch the 1946 team, when he confirmed Angelito Correa in the chapel of Ciudad Deportiva, when he welcomed the azulgrana visits to the Vatican — always with total joy… Member No. 88,235. From Jorge Mario Bergoglio to Francis, one thing never changed: his love for El Ciclón.
Wrapped in deep sorrow, from San Lorenzo today we say to Francis: Farewell, thank you, and until forever! We will be together for eternity!”
Football, a piece of Pope Francis’s soul
For Pope Francis, football was never just a game. It was, as for many Argentines, a piece of his soul, mixing it with his responsibilities as a Pope. We can say now that his faith shaped the whole world, but his love for San Lorenzo showed his humanity.
And this is just a reminder that even the most powerful spiritual figure on Earth could still be a passionate football fan, cheering for his boyhood club.
