Pope Francis’ Legacy and San Lorenzo: A Life Intertwined

Pope Francis, a lifelong fan of San Lorenzo soccer club in Buenos Aires, passed away at 88, sparking emotional tributes and superstitions about his membership number. Fans gathered to honor him, while also dealing with a scandal involving club leadership. His legacy as both pope and soccer enthusiast continues to resonate.

Pope Francis’ deep connection to the San Lorenzo soccer club in Buenos Aires has sparked both grief and superstition following his passing at age 88. Just days after his death, club members gathered for a Mass dedicated to the pope, reflecting on the impact he had on both the church and the sport. The Mass took place in the same chapel where the club was founded over a century ago by Father Lorenzo Massa.

As the emotional tributes poured in, San Lorenzo fans became especially fixated on a seemingly uncanny coincidence. His club membership number, 88,235, matched both his age and the specific time of his death in Buenos Aires, 2:35 a.m. This strange alignment of numbers fueled discussions across online platforms as fans found solace—or perhaps superstition—in these details.

Pope Francis was a lifelong supporter of San Lorenzo, having attended matches with his dad as a child. He often reminisced about his roots in the Flores neighborhood, and remained a loyal fan right until his last days. “We’re not saying goodbye to a fan…many of us are saying goodbye to a friend,” reflected Father Juan Pablo Sclippa, who led the Mass honoring Francis and highlighted the unique bond he shared with the club.

Founded in 1908, San Lorenzo has been more than just a soccer club; it has been a symbol of social change. This is deeply intertwined with Pope Francis’ identity as someone who championed the marginalized. Pablo Avalos, a 52-year-old fan at the Mass, expressed, “San Lorenzo has a lot to do with Francis. It started with Massa’s social action that rescued children from the streets.”

Francis was known for his humble lifestyle, often taking the bus in Buenos Aires and engaging with locals in informal settings. Even from the Vatican, he kept tabs on his beloved club, refusing to watch TV from 1990 and instead relied on radio updates. His papacy coincided with pivotal moments for San Lorenzo, including their first Copa Libertadores win in 2014 shortly after he assumed office.

However, the atmosphere around San Lorenzo became tense following his death, as the club faced a scandal involving its president, Marcelo Moretti. Recently leaked footage raised serious concerns of fraud, prompting the Argentine Football Association to launch an investigation. While some fans prayed for the pope, others protested the ongoing scandal at the club headquarters, highlighting the mixed emotions fueling discussions around Francis’ legacy.

In the wake of Pope Francis’ death, the devotion of San Lorenzo fans unveils a complex mixture of admiration and superstition linked to his lifelong support for the club. His age and death coinciding with his membership number has ignited discussions among supporters, reflecting their desire to uphold his memory. At the same time, the club faces a scandal that threatens to overshadow his legacy. San Lorenzo remains a critical part of his story, symbolizing a connection that transcended both sport and faith.

Original Source: www.oregonlive.com