Pope Francis Organizes Interfaith Football Match in Rome to Promote Peace and Tolerance
A star-studded football match will take place in Rome on Monday evening, bringing together some of the world’s greatest footballers to promote peace, religious tolerance, and dialogue — values dear to Pope Francis, a passionate football fan.
Among the confirmed players are Lionel Messi and Ezequiel Lavezzi (Argentina), Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), David Trezeguet (France/Argentina), Mesut Özil (Germany), Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon), and Yossi Benayoun (Israel). Former legends like Roberto Baggio and Andrei Shevchenko are also expected, with hopes that Diego Maradona and Zinedine Zidane will join.
The match will be led by Argentina’s new coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino and Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger. All participants have signed a manifesto supporting the values of peace, religious tolerance, and dialogue.
Proceeds from the event will fund “Un’Alternativa di vita,” an educational project in Buenos Aires aimed at helping disadvantaged children — a cause close to Pope Francis’s heart.
