Pope Francis’ Death Sparks Emotional Tributes Among San Lorenzo Fans

Pope Francis, an ardent supporter of San Lorenzo, passed away recently, prompting emotional tributes in Buenos Aires. A Mass was held to honor him at the club, with fans discussing the significance of his membership number, which coincidentally relates to his age and time of death. Meanwhile, the club faces issues related to a scandal involving its president.

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, the soccer club San Lorenzo held a particularly poignant Mass Wednesday to honor its most prominent supporter, Pope Francis, who passed away earlier this week. With a mix of grief and reverence, club members flocked to the church in Almagro, a significant place for both the club and the late pontiff, reflecting on his connection to the team that he loved since childhood.

Notably, fans are abuzz with a superstition surrounding the pope’s San Lorenzo membership number, 88,235. This number coincidentally includes both his age at the time of death, 88, and the exact time of his passing, which was recorded at 2:35 a.m. in Buenos Aires, sparking conversations on social media and online forums about its possible significance.

Bergoglio—Pope Francis in the Catholic Church—was an avid supporter and lifelong member of San Lorenzo. His father used to take him to matches, and he continued to pay his membership dues until his recent death at the age of 88. According to those at the memorial, including Father Juan Pablo Sclippa, the pope was more than a fan; he was a beloved friend.

“For many of us, today we are saying goodbye to a friend,” said Father Sclippa during the Mass, which featured portraits of Francis, illustrating the pope’s deep connection to the team. San Lorenzo itself was founded over a century ago by Father Lorenzo Massa, aiming to provide a safe haven for children, and became a symbol of social awareness close to the pope’s heart.

Attendees, such as 52-year-old Pablo Avalos, saw Francis as pivotal in their devotion to San Lorenzo. “San Lorenzo has a lot to do with Francis,” Avalos stated, underlining how the club’s mission aligned with the pope’s enduring commitment to social causes.

Despite his exalted role, Francis remained down-to-earth, using public transport, and keeping his attire simple. Back in Buenos Aires, he was a regular among the people, displaying not just humility but also a love for soccer. Even after becoming pope, he maintained a close relationship with San Lorenzo, following the team’s progress primarily through radio broadcasts.

His papacy brought notable success to the team, with a rapid climb in fortunes beginning soon after he took office in 2013. San Lorenzo celebrated championship victories soon after, even bringing trophies to the Vatican as gestures of gratitude.

However, the pope’s death arrives at a tumultuous time for the club, with its president, Marcelo Moretti, embroiled in a scandal resembling the very drama of the sport. Recently, he was filmed allegedly accepting bribes, leading to his temporary leave of absence as investigations intensify. Accordingly, fans are in two minds—some mourn the loss of the beloved pope while others rally against the unfolding issues at their club’s headquarters.

The passing of Pope Francis has created a wave of emotional tributes in Argentina, particularly among the supporters of San Lorenzo. The connection between the pope and his soccer club is further underscored by the superstitious significance attributed to his membership number. Concurrently, the club faces challenges as controversies arise affecting its leadership. Thus, the team and its followers find themselves mourning a profound loss while grappling with uncertainty about the future.

Original Source: www.oregonlive.com