The Pope has organized a star studded football match, held in Rome at the Stadio Olimpico, all in the name of peace.
The pontiff-turned-part-time-promoter hopes the match, dubbed ‘Interreligious Soccer Match for Peace’ will bring together Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, and other practicing religions for an exercise in amity and understanding.
The Pope gave a well-received pep-talk prior to kickoff at the Paul VI Audience Hall, in Rome.
“I thank you,” he began, “because you have subscribed to my desire to see champions and coaches of various countries and religions compete in a sporting event to witness feelings of brotherhood and friendship.
“Tonight is an opportunity to raise funds for charity projects, but especially to reflect on the values that sport and football can promote values that are common to every person, regardless of religious belief and its culture. Say no to discrimination,” Francesco appealed to a crowd of approximately 400 people.
And the appeal must have worked; numerous professional players – both active and retired – have come forward to play in the match.
The match will be led by Argentina coach Gerardo Martino managing one side and current Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger managing the other.
Players linked to participate include: Roberto Baggio, Gianluigi Buffon, Alessandro Del Piero, Samuel Eto’o, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Paolo Maldini, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, Andrea Pirlo (out injured), Ronaldinho, Andriy Shevchenko, Carlos Valderrama, Javier Zanetti, and Zinedine Zidane.
Zanetti has been working alongside Pope Frances since the summer to help organize the game, where proceeds will be designated to two charities: Scholas Occurrentes, an educational institution that promotes social integration, and P.U.P.I, a non-profit long-distance adoption charity which helps disadvantaged young people.
But it is not just the disenfranchised the match will be helping.
According to fellow countryman Diego Maradona, the Pope has move the former Argentine National so much that he has re-found religion.
“During a period I have moved away from the Church because I thought did not do much for the people in need, but Papa Francesco is really a champion so I changed course,” Maradona admitted.
As a thank you, the he brought the Pope an autographed jersey.
And when Frances is not saving the souls of former footballers, the head of the Church is just as happy to be able to use the beautiful game as an agent of peace .
“Thank you for granting me my wish to see champions and coaches of different religions compete in a [football match] inspired by the values of friendship and peace.”
