From a commemorative jersey to an entire stadium in his name, Argentina is paying heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis, a national icon and lifelong football fan. Fondly remembered as the “Captain,” his passing has prompted a flood of football-inspired tributes that reflect both his love for the sport and his profound influence on the nation.
The Argentine pontiff, who passed away at the age of 88 following a stroke, had only recently returned home from a prolonged hospital stay where he battled double pneumonia. As the nation mourns, the world of Argentine football has rallied to honor one of its most devoted supporters.
The Argentine Football Federation (AFA) described him as a generational talent, not in football boots, but in spirit someone who “never hogged the ball” and symbolized the power of humble leadership. The AFA postponed all fixtures on the Monday following his death, and a minute’s silence will be observed at all matches throughout the week.
San Lorenzo, the Buenos Aires-based football club Pope Francis supported throughout his life, has become the heart of the tributes. The club announced that its chapel will remain open late each evening this week, giving fans the opportunity to pay their respects at a makeshift altar adorned with a portrait of Francis. The emotional connection between the club and the late pontiff has been underlined by plans to hold a memorial mass, and the team will wear a special commemorative jersey during their upcoming home fixture against Rosario Central.
A touching detail that captured the public imagination was a photo of Pope Francis’s San Lorenzo membership card from 2008. It displayed the number 88235 an uncanny match to his age and time of death in Argentina, 2:35, at 88 years old. The coincidence sparked reflection and awe among fans and followers alike, reinforcing the mystical symbolism many Argentines already associate with their beloved pope.
The most significant tribute, however, is yet to come. San Lorenzo’s president confirmed that the club’s upcoming 55,000-seat stadium will be named after Pope Francis. The stadium project, already in development, will now stand as a monumental tribute to the club’s most famous supporter. According to the club’s leadership, the pope had personally given his blessing to the idea when they met with him at the Vatican in 2024 a meeting during which he was visibly moved by the proposal.
Football legend Lionel Messi led national tributes, thanking the late pope for “making the world a better place.” It was a sentiment echoed throughout Argentina, especially in the streets of Buenos Aires. Outside the city’s cathedral, where Francis once served as archbishop, and in his home neighborhood of Flores, fans left scarves, jerseys, and bunting to honor the man they knew not just as a religious leader but as one of their own.
Francis, often referred to as a “crow” in reference to San Lorenzo fans, remained deeply connected to his roots despite his global role. His humility, his passion for football, and his commitment to social justice made him a beloved figure not just in Argentina but around the world.
As Argentina prepares for his funeral on April 26, the tributes continue to pour in, blending religion, sport, and national pride in a way only the story of Pope Francis could inspire.
