“Hasta siempre, Santo Padre!” – with these words, meaning “farewell forever, Holy Father,” San Lorenzo de Almagro bid farewell to Pope Francis, a devoted supporter of the club. A moving message appeared on the club’s official website.

A Pope close to the club

Our soul grieves – Pope Francis has left this world, but he will never leave our hearts. The Holy Father was an honorary member of San Lorenzo, and his love for the azulgrana colours was well known.

Jorge Mario Bergoglio’s passion for San Lorenzo began in his childhood, inspired by his father Mario José, who played basketball at the club’s facilities on Avenida La Plata. The young Bergoglio grew up admiring El Ciclón, especially the legendary 1946 championship team that played at the old Gasómetro stadium, featuring stars like Armando Farro, René Pontoni, and Rinaldo Martino. He held a special admiration for Pontoni, the club’s top striker at the time.

Pope Francis never hid his deep connection to San Lorenzo. Always close to our club, reads the statement. He once celebrated Mass at the Ciudad Deportiva training centre’s chapel, giving Holy Communion to youth players – including Ángel Correa, who would go on to become a 2022 World Cup winner. The Pope also welcomed club delegations at the Vatican, rejoicing in their triumphs.

© IDOM / CA San Lorenzo de Almagro

Eternal tribute

Last year, San Lorenzo president Marcelo Moretti met with Pope Francis and officially proposed naming the club’s future stadium on Avenida La Plata Papa Francesco. Deeply moved, the Holy Father accepted without hesitation.

His love for San Lorenzo always moved us deeply – now, it unites us in prayer for his soul, the club wrote in a statement released after the Pope’s death.