A controversial debate revealed Pope Francis is an ardent football fan despite his ‘strict’ religious lifestyle.
Put to task by a Spanish TV station, La Sexta, the Catholic faithfuls’ leader insisted fans will have to admire FC Barcelona’s sensation, Leo Messi as a player but never equate him to deity.
For Barcelona fans, Lionel Messi is ‘D10S’, a combination of the Spanish word for “God”- “
During the Sunday Interview, the pope praised his Argentine compatriot
“In theory, it is sacrilege,” explained the leader of the Catholic Church. “You can’t do it.
“People could call him God, just as they might say ‘I adore you’, but only God can be worshipped.
“(Saying) ‘He’s a god with the ball on the pitch’ is a popular way to express yourself. He’s great to watch, but he’s not God.”
Pope Francis is known to be a football fan, and he is also a club member of Buenos Aires side San Lorenzo.
Two goals from Messi gave Barcelona victory in the Catalan derby over Espanyol on Sunday, taking the Liga leaders another step closer to the title.
But why should fans think so highly of mere football players who are given to sickness, injury, and suffering?
Let us know in the comments.