German Pope congratulates Italian soccer victors

June 29, 2012

After Italy defeated Germany in a Euro Cup soccer match on June 28, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone called Italian President Giorgio Napolitano to pass along congratulations from Pope Benedict XVI.

Although the Pope is a native German, he is also Bishop of Rome, and “shared the joy of his faithful,” according to Father Federico Lombardi, the papal spokesman. So he asked Cardinal Bertone to “convey his congratulations.”

There may be another side to the story. While Pope Benedict is generally indifferent to sports, but Cardinal Bertone—who is Italian—is an avid soccer fan, and was no doubt happy for an opportunity to discuss the game.

 

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Further information:

• Pope Benedict graceful in defeat (AFP)
• Pope stays neutral for Germany-Italy soccer game (CWN, 6/28)