Pope receives Fluminense shirt and flag at the Vatican

Pope Francis received, this Thursday, a Fluminense shirt and flag, during a meeting with the “Friends of the Vatican Museums”, a group made up of countries in America, Europe and Asia that work to raise funds for preservation. and improvement of the pontifical art heritage. Representatives of Brazil in the delegation, Father Omar Raposo, rector of the Sanctuary of Christ the Redeemer and parish priest of the São José da Lagoa Parish, and Pedro Trengrouse, legal advisor to the CBF, were responsible for delivering the gifts.

In addition to the pieces related to the tricolor team, champion of the Libertadores on Saturday after beating Boca Juniors, the Brazilians delivered a letter signed by the president of the CBF, Ednaldo Rodrigues, who thanked the pope for his support for the sport. In the text, the leader praises the pontiff’s commitment “to increase engagement around sport as an instrument for creating a more inclusive environment and a more cohesive and welcoming society” and says he is excited “about the possibility of sport being a theme of the Fraternity Campaign in 2026”, in addition to making the CBF “available to collaborate in whatever is necessary”.

Ednaldo himself already met with Francisco, in September last year, at the signing ceremony of the “Declaration of Sport for All”. On the occasion, the Brazilian and other leaders of sports entities committed to actions established by three pillars of the declaration: cohesion, accessibility and adaptable sport for all. Ednaldo took advantage of the letter to list to the Pope some measures that have already been taken, such as support for the Brazilian dwarfism futsal team and initiatives to combat racism.

At this Thursday’s meeting, Father Omar Raposo and Pedro Trengrouse represented the Fluminense fans, historically related to the Catholic faith due to its connection with Pope John Paul II, who is the club’s patron saint and inspired the iconic song adopted by the tricolores in 1980, when the religious man was in Brazil. “A blessing, João de Deus. Our people embrace you. You come on a mission of peace. Welcome. And bless these people who love you!”, they sing in the stands to this day.

The Argentine Pope Francis also has a strong connection with football, as he is a fanatical supporter of San Lorenzo, champion of the Libertadores in 2014. In a recent interview with “Tg1”, a news program on Italy’s public television channel, when asked who he preferred between Messi and Maradona, replied: “I will say a third: Pelé”.