Argentine soccer club San Lorenzo paid a heartfelt tribute to its fan, Pope Francis, during a national league home match on Saturday. The pontiff, who passed away at the age of 88, was buried in Rome just hours before the game.
Special Tribute on Player Kits
To honor Pope Francis, Lorenzo’s players wore patches on their shirts featuring an image of Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Pope Francis) smiling and dressed in his papal robes. The patches also carried the words “Together for Eternity.” Though San Lorenzo lost the match 1-0 to visiting side Rosario Central, the tribute was the standout moment.
Fans and Children Celebrate Pope’s Legacy
Before the game, children from an initiative promoted by Pope Francis paraded alongside San Lorenzo’s youth team at the Nuevo Gasómetro Stadium. Fans in the stands waved yellow and white Vatican flags alongside the club’s blue and red, creating a colorful display in tribute to the late pope.
San Lorenzo’s Connection to Pope Francis
San Lorenzo’s stadium is located in the Bajo Flores neighborhood, near Pope Francis’ birthplace. The pontiff was also the 88,235th member of the club. With a deep connection to the community, Lorenzo plans to build a new stadium in Buenos Aires, which will be named “Pope Francis” in his honor.
