The death of Pope Francis at the age of 88 sparked deep sorrow around the world, especially in Argentina, his home country. Among the many tributes to the late pontiff, one of the most emotional came from Club Atlético Boca Juniors, who shared a respectful and heartfelt message on social media:

"With deep respect and admiration, we say goodbye to Pope Francis. His humility, compassion, and dedication to those in need left a lasting mark. From Club Atlético Boca Juniors, we remember him fondly and send a warm embrace to all his followers. Rest in peace, Francis."

A bond that went beyond football

Although he was a proud supporter and member of San Lorenzo, the Pope also had a unique connection to Boca Juniors. In 2020, the club made him an honorary member, giving him membership card number 1 along with a personalized jersey featuring his name, Francisco, and the number 1. 

The initiative was led by then-president Jorge Amor Ameal, as part of a partnership with Scholas Occurrentes, the educational foundation promoted by the Pope himself."We know Bergoglio was a San Lorenzo fan, but now that you’re Francis I, the greatest, you’ve got to join the biggest club in Argentina too," they joked at the ceremony.

As a sign of mourning, the flags at Boca Juniors’ training facility in Ezeiza flew at half-mast, alongside the AFA and national flags. This symbolic gesture was one of many tributes across the country. The Argentine Football Association also suspended all Monday matches, rescheduling them for Tuesday in a show of respect.

The football-loving Pope

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first Latin American pope and a true football fan. Throughout his papacy, he welcomed numerous football legends—from Diego Maradona to Lionel Messi—and often spoke fondly about the passion Argentines have for the sport. His death leaves a major void not only in the Vatican, but also in Argentina, where he was loved not just as a spiritual leader, but as another football fan.

Boca Juniors’ farewell reflects how Francis’ influence cut across all boundaries, even uniting fierce rivals like Boca and River just days before the Superclásico. His legacy isn’t just religious—it’s also part of his country’s sporting and cultural history.