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A photo of Pope Francis' San Lorenzo membership card is circulating online, confirming his lifelong devotion to the iconic Argentine football club.
Like so many of his compatriots, Pope Francis—who passed away this morning in the Vatican—was a true football lover. And now, following his death, a photo of his official San Lorenzo membership card is spreading across social media, offering a powerful reminder of the late Pope’s enduring bond with the club he adored.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in 1936 in Buenos Aires, the future Pope grew up immersed in Argentina's football culture. And just like millions of his countrymen, he pledged his loyalty to one team: San Lorenzo de Almagro.
After his election as Pope in 2013, the club paid tribute to its most famous supporter by wearing special jerseys featuring his image and the message: “We pray for you, pray for us.”
The viral photo of his club ID not only confirms his lifelong allegiance, but also places him among the club’s 4.2 million fans—a number that ranks San Lorenzo as the fourth most popular team in Argentina, behind only Boca Juniors, River Plate, and Independiente.
San Lorenzo is also part of Argentina's famed "Big Five," a term reserved for the country's most historic and successful clubs: Boca, River, Independiente, San Lorenzo, and Racing Club.
Even in his role as the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis never hid his affection for San Lorenzo, proving that the love of football transcends even the highest spiritual calling.