San Lorenzo make Pope ‘suffer’

Published on 15/03/2013 01:54

THE new Pope, Jorge Mario Bergoglio, shares the passion his countrymen have for football and is an avid fan of San Lorenzo, one of Argentina’s top clubs.

Bergoglio, who took the name Pope Francis, received his San Lorenzo membership card after saying mass at a sports complex near the team’s stadium. “He says he lives in a permanent state of suffering for San Lorenzo,” said Oscar Lucchini, an architect and fellow fan who handed Bergoglio’s membership card to him after that mass about four years ago.

The club have posted a picture on their website showing a smiling Bergoglio lifting up the club’s colours.

As archbishop of Buenos Aires, Bergoglio was known for his unassuming lifestyle. He lived near San Lorenzo’s headquarters and travelled the capital city by public bus.

He also shares the pain of his fellow San Lorenzo fans after their defeats, as well as their joy when the team wins.

The club last won Argentina’s national championship in 2007.