(foto: Getty Images)
San Lorenzo pay tribute to lifelong fan Pope Francis, revealing he approved plans to rename the stadium after him—an idea that could now become reality.
San Lorenzo, the Argentine club Pope Francis supported since childhood, has paid an emotional tribute to the late pontiff, who passed away this morning at the age of 88. A passionate "Cuervo" throughout his life, the Pope held membership card no. 88235 and never hid his love for the club.
In a heartfelt message posted across social media and their official website, San Lorenzo celebrated Francis’ unbreakable connection with the club:
“A Cuervo as a child and as a man. A Cuervo as a priest and as a cardinal. A Cuervo even as Pope. He always carried his passion for El Ciclón—when he went to the Old Gasometer to watch the 1946 team, when he confirmed Ángel Correa at the Ciudad Deportiva chapel, when he welcomed San Lorenzo delegations to the Vatican with joy. From Jorge Mario Bergoglio to Pope Francis, one thing never changed: his love for El Ciclón.”
The club also recalled a meaningful moment from last year, when Pope Francis welcomed San Lorenzo president Marcelo Moretti to the Vatican. During that meeting, the pontiff gave his personal blessing to the idea of renaming the stadium in his honour—Estadio Papa Francisco. Following his death, that proposal is expected to gain momentum and could be made official soon.
Francis’ legacy at San Lorenzo goes beyond fandom—it’s a symbol of identity and pride for a club steeped in tradition and social purpose, much like the man who followed them all his life.