Pope Francis Remembered in Mass by San Lorenzo Fans Amid Club Crisis

Pope Francis’ death has led to emotional tributes in Buenos Aires, particularly from his beloved soccer club, San Lorenzo. During a Mass dedicated to him, fans reflected on their shared history. Fascination grew around the Pope’s membership number, seen by many as a prophetic sign. Yet, the club is also currently facing turmoil due to a bribery scandal involving its president.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Following the passing of Pope Francis, ardent supporters of his treasured soccer club, San Lorenzo, marked his legacy with a Mass dedicated to him on Wednesday. This event took place in a church within Buenos Aires’ Almagro district—an area with significant ties to the Pope’s life, where he had celebrated Mass long before his papacy. The outpouring of tributes reflects Argentina’s deep emotional connection to its first Latin American pontiff, who was 88 at the time of his death.

As devotees adorned in San Lorenzo jerseys filled the chapel, another narrative unfolded around the Pope’s club membership number—88,235. Fans found meaning in this, noting that it correlates with his age and the precise time of his death at 2:35 a.m. in Buenos Aires, which translates to 7:35 a.m. in Rome. This particular coincidence stirred conversations across social media and online forums, with many attributing prophetic significance to the number.

Bergoglio, who grew up in the Flores neighborhood, was a lifelong fan, attending matches with his father, an Italian immigrant. He remained a committed supporter, consistently paying his membership fees until his death on Monday. “Today, many of us are saying goodbye to a friend,” reflected Father Juan Pablo Sclippa during the memorial service, underscoring the personal connection many fans felt with the Pope, who was beloved not just for his faith but for his relative humility.

San Lorenzo has roots in social activism, initiated by Father Lorenzo Massa in 1908, which resonates with the Pope’s image as the “Pope of the people.” Fans at the Mass, such as Pablo Avalos, expressed their gratitude, linking their admiration for both the club and the pontiff.

From his days in Buenos Aires to his papacy in Rome, Francis was known for his humility. He famously took public transportation in his hometown and maintained an informal demeanor. Even at the Vatican, he preferred simplicity over extravagance, donning a plain white cassock rather than ornate clothing. Most notably, he abstained from television after 1990, relying on radio to keep up with San Lorenzo’s fortunes.

Some supporters see a connection between the Pope’s influence and San Lorenzo’s recent successes, including their rise to Argentine champions and a prestigious Copa Libertadores title shortly after his pontifical election. The team has even transported trophies to St. Peter’s Basilica to express their gratitude for his support.

Yet, following Pope Francis’ death, San Lorenzo faces a crisis. The club’s president, Marcelo Moretti, is embroiled in scandal after video evidence surfaced of him allegedly receiving bribes for signing players. As fans pray for the Pope, others have congregated in protest against the unfolding situation at the club’s headquarters, illustrating the complex emotional landscape surrounding the loss of a beloved leader and the challenges facing his football club.

In summary, the passing of Pope Francis has sparked significant emotional reactions in Buenos Aires, especially among the San Lorenzo soccer fanbase, who held a Mass in his honor. His deep ties to the club and remarkable personal narrative spotlight his life as both the Pope and a devoted soccer supporter. However, this moment of remembrance coincides with a troubling crisis at San Lorenzo, urging fans to navigate their grief for a lost leader alongside their concerns for the club’s future amid controversy.

Original Source: www.oregonlive.com