Soccer-Pope Francis receives signed shirt from Man United’s Martinez
(Reuters) – Pope Francis, a soccer fan like most Argentines, was all smiles when Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham presented him with a Manchester United shirt signed by his compatriot Lisandro Martinez during a visit to the Vatican on Thursday.
The Pope received the Argentina and United defender’s glass-framed number six jersey with the message “Your holiness, with much love, Licha”, United said on their website, in a private audience with a delegation of Manchester’s religious leaders.
“I think @Pontifex particularly appreciated this gift, presented by @AndyBurnhamGM and the Lord Mayor,” tweeted British Ambassador to the Holy See Chris Trott.
Pope Francis, who was also presented with a Manchester City shirt, was given a signed Lionel Messi shirt by then French Prime Minister Jean Castex in 2021.
World Cup winner Martinez suffered a foot injury last week and will miss the rest of the season.
(Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City, editing by Ed Osmond)
Alberta wildfires force oil production shutdowns, even as cooler weather sets in
Banks tighten credit terms, see loan demand drop, Fed survey shows
Woman who sued over Subway tuna seeks to quit case, Subway demands sanctions
-
National5 years agoThere won’t be any virtual Junkanoo either, ministry says
-
National5 years agoHotel union says furlough should be last resort for Atlantis
-
Business5 years agoFarewell, penny
-
National5 years agoFernander calls for stiffer penalties
-
National4 years ago‘If you want a war, you can get a war’
-
Regional5 years agoSandals founder Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart dies
-
Lifestyle8 years agoAccording to Dior Couture, this taboo fashion accessory is back
-
National4 years agoFamily mourns 18-year-old aspiring entrepreneur