DEBORA REY
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4 min read
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Pope Francis’ passion for soccer was evident throughout his pontificate.
A lifelong supporter of Argentine club San Lorenzo, he agreed with those who describe soccer as the most beautiful game in the world. But Francis, who died Monday at 88, also turned to the sport for anecdotes about camaraderie, fellowship and teamwork in an increasingly individualistic society.
“Soccer is a team sport. You can’t have fun alone,” the pope told a crowd of Italian youth, soccer players and coaches at the Vatican in 2019.