Heartfelt Farewell: Pope Francis Remembered by San Lorenzo Fans Amidst Club Scandal

Pope Francis’ death has left fans of his beloved soccer club San Lorenzo in mourning. A Mass was held to honor him while speculations arose about the significance of his membership number, which coincides with his age and time of death. The club now navigates a scandal involving its president, adding to the emotional turmoil among supporters.

In Buenos Aires, the mourning for Pope Francis is palpable, especially among fans of his cherished soccer team, San Lorenzo. A Mass was held late Wednesday at the club’s chapel, which is situated in the middle-class Almagro district. This is particularly poignant since it is where Pope Francis, originally Jorge Mario Bergoglio, once said Mass long before he became the first pontiff from Latin America. Club members, adorned in jerseys and clutching rosaries, gathered to honor their most famous supporter just two days after his passing.

As heartfelt tributes flowed in from all corners of Argentina, the club’s fans were captivated by an odd coincidence involving Francisco’s club membership number, 88,235, which humorously contains his age, 88, and the exact hour of his death, 2:35 a.m. in Buenos Aires. This sparked a frenzy across social media and online forums as fans speculated on the prophetic nature of the number, blending sorrow with the club’s entrenched superstitions.

Bergoglio’s connection to San Lorenzo began in his childhood when he attended matches with his father, who emigrated from Italy. His allegiance to the team never waned, as he continued to pay monthly fees, expressing his unwavering support until his death on Monday at the age of 88. The San Lorenzo club, established over a century ago by Father Lorenzo Massa, played a significant role in shaping the image of Bergoglio as “Pope of the people.”

At the memorial Mass, Father Juan Pablo Sclippa spoke movingly about the pope. “Today, many of us are saying goodbye to a friend,” he remarked from an altar adorned with the pope’s images. The bond between Francis and San Lorenzo showcases the impact of sport in connecting communities, especially efforts that stemmed from Massa’s mission to guide at-risk youth.

Fans such as 52-year-old Pablo Avalos reflect on how Francis influenced their love for the club, linking its history to his social initiatives. While Francis was revered for his humility both in Buenos Aires and the Vatican, remaining closely tied to San Lorenzo even during his papacy, he communicated with the team primarily through radio after vowing to avoid television in 1990.

Some supporters are highlighting the team’s triumphs since Francis’s papacy began in 2013, which included winning several prestigious titles. Two occasions saw San Lorenzo players visiting St. Peter’s Basilica to express gratitude for the pope’s moral support. However, in the wake of his death, the club faces significant challenges.

Currently, San Lorenzo is embroiled in scandal as their president, Marcelo Moretti, has been filmed allegedly accepting bribes linked to player signings. With an investigation underway, Moretti stepped down from his position on Wednesday. As some fans prayed for Pope Francis nearby, others protested against the unfolding scandal at the club headquarters, reflecting the juxtaposition of grief and turmoil at San Lorenzo during this odd and unsettling time.

Pope Francis’ passing has stirred deep emotions among fans of San Lorenzo, his lifelong soccer team. The connection between the pope and the club is profound, marked by a shared history that speaks of community, humility, and social responsibility. The coincidental significance of his membership number adds a layer of superstition as fans reflect on his legacy. However, the club now faces a troubling scandal that contrasts sharply with the positive memories associated with Francis’s influence on San Lorenzo, leaving supporters with mixed feelings during a heartbreaking time.

Original Source: www.oregonlive.com