Pope Francis Kicks Off “World Children’s Day”

Pope Francis appeared in Rome’s Olympic Stadium on Saturday to provide a symbolic start to a soccer match as part of the Vatican’s “World Children’s Day” celebrations.

Francis, 87, who has had episodes of ill health, stepped up from his chair by the side of the pitch when a boy delivered the ball to him, escorted by former Italian national team goalie Gianluigi Buffon.

The Pope, an Argentine soccer lover, gently tapped the ball with his foot before watching the action develop on the field at the stadium, home to the city’s professional clubs AS Roma and Lazio.

The match ball was later returned to the Pope for his signature.

In response to a child’s query, the Pope said he was delighted when Argentina won the World Cup in 2022.