Bastin Nellissery
May 2, 2025: In the pages of Hope: The Autobiography, co-authored by Italian journalist Carlo Musso, Pope Francis – Jorge Mario Bergoglio offers a rare and deeply personal reflection on games and Salesian influence that shaped his spiritual journey from childhood. At the heart of this connection was football and Salesian Father Enrique Pozzoli —a priest whose unwavering presence and pastoral care not only guided Bergoglio’s family through hardship but also marked the beginning of his own lifelong devotion to faith and service. This bond, rooted in the Salesian charism of joyful companionship and commitment to the young through games, would leave an indelible imprint on the future Pope, defining his ministry and vision for a ‘Church that goes forth.
From his earliest days in the working-class neighbourhood of Flores in Buenos Aires, Jorge Mario Bergoglio— Pope Francis—found joy in the simplest things: a football, a few friends, and a dusty patch of ground. He was never the strongest or the fastest on the field, but with a ball at his feet, he felt free, alive, and connected.
Football was never just a game to Pope Francis—it was a means of connection, a source of joy, and a profound lesson in human relationships. Reflecting on the loneliness of modern life, he once remarked, “We create links that are virtual, remote—theoretically in contact, but practically alone.” To him, football embodied the antidote, bringing people together in real spaces through real encounters.
This philosophy was deeply rooted in his Salesian formation, inspired by Saint John Bosco’s belief in engaging with young people through play and presence. Pope Francis often cited Don Bosco’s famous adage: “You want children? Throw a ball into the air, and before it hits the ground, just see how many will have turned up!” The Salesian way—joyful, affectionate, and ever-present—shaped Bergoglio’s understanding of pastoral care, reinforcing his commitment to walking alongside the young.
His love for football extended beyond the field and into his faith. His favorite club, San Lorenzo de Almagro, was founded in 1908 by Salesian priest Fr. Lorenzo Massa, who invited street children to play safely on church grounds in exchange for attending Mass and growing in sportsmanship and spirit. The club’s blue and red colors paid homage to Mary, Help of Christians, while rival fans playfully dubbed its supporters Cuervos (Crows), referencing the black cassocks worn by Salesians—an identity they embraced with pride.
For Pope Francis, football was a living parable of unity, inclusion, and joy—an extension of his faith and leadership. Through every match played, every friendship formed, and every young life touched by the spirit of the game, he saw echoes of the Gospel’s call to love, serve, and celebrate life together. ]