Archbishop Gänswein reports papal reactions to World Cup final
July 15, 2014
Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI was pleased with Germany’s win in the World Cup soccer final, although he did not watch the contest, according to his private secretary.
Archbishop Georg Gänswein told Vatican Radio that while the German members of the retired Pontiff’s staff watched the World Cup final together, Benedict himself was napping. When informed of the result, he reported, Benedict expressed satisfaction that Germany had won—especially because several players were from his native Bavaria—and then added: “I hope the Argentines recover quickly.”
Archbishop Gänswein said that he did not know whether or not Pope Francis had watched the final. The German prelate said that he called the papal household after the game, and expressed his condolence to the Pope’s secretary, Father Fabian Pedacchio Leaniz, who is also a native of Argentina.
Meanwhile the president of FIFA, the international body that organized the World Cup, revealed that he had received a message from Pope Francis, who was enthusiastic about the success of the competition. “He certainly was not happy about Argentina’s defeat,” said Sepp Blatter, “But he told me that football is good because it unites people.”
Although he is an enthusiastic soccer fan, Pope Francis had promised that he would not take a partisan interest in the World Cup.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
- Ex-pope Benedict XVI pleased about World Cup: secretary (AFP)
- Pope 'not happy' about Argentina's loss (ANSA)
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
