FIFA President Gianni Infantino has paid a heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis, following the death of the pontiff, with great sadness and a retrospective look at the particular affinity between the late Holy Father and the sport of football.
“I was very saddened to hear about the passing of Pope Francis,” Infantino began by writing on his official Instagram page.
“I had the good fortune to meet him on two occasions, and he would always talk about his love of football and how important a role it plays in society, and particularly the manner in which it educates and safeguards children all around the globe.”
Pope Francis, a lifelong football fan and supporter of Argentine club San Lorenzo, regularly spoke out on the power of sport to bring people together, inspire, and educate.
Infantino referred to one such occasion, quoting the Pope’s simple but forceful words: “Football is the most beautiful sport in the world.”
Earlier this year, at the World Leaders Summit on Children’s Rights at the Vatican, Pope Francis once again touted the game’s global popularity, pointing to its ability to bring about positive change and bring people together across cultural and national divides.
Infantino also recognised the Pope’s unwavering commitment to peace and harmony, values which he lived even in his last public address on Easter Sunday.
“He led by example,” the FIFA President underlined.
“My deepest condolences are with all those who knew him, his community, family, and friends. All the prayers of the whole football world are with him. May he rest in peace.”
While the world says goodbye to a spiritual icon, the world of football joins together to celebrate a man who, in the sport of football, did not see just sport, but a means of humanity, compassion, and hope.
