Tribute to Pope Francis

Introduction to the Tribute

Argentine soccer club San Lorenzo paid tributes to its fan Pope Francis during a national league home match on Saturday. The pontiff, who died last Monday at age 88, was buried in Rome before the game.

The Game and Tributes

San Lorenzo players wore a patch on their shirts with an image of Jorge Mario Bergoglio smiling and wearing his papal robes, accompanied by the phrase “Together for Eternity.” Visiting side Rosario Central won 1-0 thanks to an injury time goal. Before the match, children from an initiative promoted by Bergoglio paraded with San Lorenzo’s youth team at Nuevo Gasómetro Stadium.

Show of Respect and Colors

The club’s blue and red colors were mixed in the stands with the yellow and white of the Vatican flag in the form of smoke, ribbons and flags, some of them featuring the pope’s face. Fans gave Francis a standing ovation only hours after he was buried in Rome.

Connection to the Pontiff

San Lorenzo’s stadium is in the Bajo Flores neighborhood, close to Bergoglio’s birthplace. The pontiff was the club’s 88,235th member. A club founded by Catholic priest Lorenzo Massa, San Lorenzo is expected to return to the neighborhood of the same name in Buenos Aires by the construction of a new stadium, which will be named “Pope Francis.”

Conclusion

The tribute by San Lorenzo to Pope Francis is a testament to the deep connection between the club and the pontiff, reflecting not just a fan’s loyalty but a community’s respect and admiration for a figure who has been an integral part of their lives. The club’s gestures, from wearing patches with the pope’s image to the planned naming of their new stadium after him, underscore the enduring legacy of Pope Francis.

FAQs

• Q: What was the outcome of the match where San Lorenzo paid tribute to Pope Francis?
  A: The visiting side, Rosario Central, won 1-0 with an injury-time goal.
• Q: What special gesture did San Lorenzo players make to honor Pope Francis?
  A: They wore patches on their shirts with an image of Jorge Mario Bergoglio and the phrase “Together for Eternity.”
• Q: Where is San Lorenzo’s current stadium located in relation to Pope Francis’ birthplace?
  A: The stadium is in the Bajo Flores neighborhood, close to Bergoglio’s birthplace.
• Q: What is planned for San Lorenzo’s new stadium in terms of naming?
  A: The new stadium is expected to be named “Pope Francis” as a tribute to the pontiff.