HOPE FROM THE POPE

I have just asked the author of a fabulous football book, for permission to quote from his brilliant book, "Football Fans in their own write". David Picken, I have referenced in my Blog before, I was lucky to meet, having recently spent some time with him in Victoria, Australia. He published in 2023 and he has two "chapters" on religious football fans, one of Bishop Libby Lane and at this time, more seriously, the other on Pope Francis. David titles this eleven page reference "Lay Encyclical on Sport: San Lorenzo de Almagro FC. The original interview was conducted and reported by Pier Bergonzi, the Deputy Director of La Gazetta dello Sport in January 2021 in Milan. There are 14 sections to the interview.

Pope Francis spoke freely about his interests and enjoyed Tango dancing as a young man and played in goal at school quoting "My sport is rag ball. being a goalkeeper has been a school  of life." He remembered visiting The Gasometer, remembering the 1946 Championship, won by his team San Lorenzo, which brought "joy and happiness on our faces, the adrenaline in our blood".

I could quote the whole chapter, in which there is much common sense and advice, but I am just giving you one thought from him where he mentions going to "The Gasometer" Stadium with his family and he particularly remembers the 1946 Italian Championship, won by his San Lorenzo. He remembered the joy and happiness, the adrenaline in his blood.

Playing "Rag Ball" (in Italian pallone di stracci, in Spanish "pelota de trapo") in the street near his house...didn't we all! The Pope liked football but was not amongst the best, suffering from "poto duro", literally "hard leg"!! a very honest appraisal by The Holy Father.  Hmmm, "first touch...not so good". Hence they played Francis in goal! His father played basketball and was the "pillar" of the San Lorenzo team...so there was ability in the family!! Here is The Pope with Infantino"

As far as memories, he claims not to have great knowledge on the sport, but he does hope that people leave the world a little better than when they found it. The heart is the centre of sporting activity as well as a religious experience...keeping the heart "trained" (like the body) is the secret to not losing talent!