Pope Francis’ Legacy Lives On as San Lorenzo Fans Mourn and Reflect

Following Pope Francis’ death, San Lorenzo, the soccer club he adored, held a Mass in his honor amidst a wave of tributes. Fans noted a curious coincidence with his membership number, linking it to his age and time of death. While the club mourns, it faces administrative turmoil due to allegations against its president, adding complexity to the grieving process.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — In a heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis, a special Mass was held late Wednesday by his cherished soccer club, San Lorenzo, just two days following the papal figure’s passing. The Argentine nation is still resonating with emotional reflections for the first pontiff to hail from Latin America, as fans gather in his memory.

At the team’s chapel located in the Almagro district — a place steeped in history where Bergoglio served Mass prior to his papacy — dozens donned club jerseys and held rosaries, offering their final farewells to Francis. San Lorenzo has been the pride of Bergoglio’s youth, stemming from his childhood visits to games with his father, and he maintained his devotion until his death at age 88.

Fans of San Lorenzo have now turned to a peculiar coincidence regarding Francis’ membership number — 88,235. Speculation runs rampant online, suggesting the number encapsulates both his age and the precise time of his death in Buenos Aires, 2:35 a.m. or 7:35 a.m. in Rome. This cryptic connection has fueled a sense of superstition among club supporters.

Father Juan Pablo Sclippa, who presided over the memorial Mass, spoke fondly of Francis, stating, “We’re not saying goodbye to a fan or the club’s most important fan. Today, many of us are saying goodbye to a friend.” He described Francis as a humble leader, likening him to a superstar in both soccer and spirituality, who often underestimated his own significance.

The San Lorenzo club, established in 1908, played a formative role in Bergoglio’s identity, being integral to the community he cherished. “When I read the story of San Lorenzo, everything came together for me,” Pablo Avalos, a fan attending the Mass, remarked, highlighting how Francis’s connection to the club is steeped in the social actions it spearheaded to aid children.

Known for his approachable demeanor, Francis commuted around Buenos Aires via bus, ventured into marginalized areas, and engaged in friendly exchanges about soccer. Even from afar, he remained connected to San Lorenzo, following the club’s journey primarily through the radio—a commitment he made after abandoning television in the early 90s.

Francis’ tenure as pope brought a surge of fortune for San Lorenzo, mirroring the timing of his papacy with the club’s successes. Soon after he took office in 2013, the team celebrated championships, signaling his influence. Trophies were paraded to St. Peter’s Basilica as gestures of gratitude from the club’s players and fans alike.

However, the bittersweet nature of Francis’ death converges with turmoil for San Lorenzo’s administration. Just as the club mourns, the president, Marcelo Moretti, faces serious allegations involving fraudulent conduct surrounding transactions. He announced his leave amid an ongoing investigation, and while some fans pray for the pope, others are protesting the administrative scandal at San Lorenzo’s headquarters nearby.

Pope Francis’ passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from his beloved San Lorenzo soccer club, reflecting his deep connection to the team throughout his life. His legacy as a humble leader resonates in Buenos Aires, while fans engage in superstitious interpretations of his membership number. However, this period of mourning is complicated by ongoing conflicts within the club’s management, leaving San Lorenzo fans grappling with both sorrow and a crisis. The intertwined stories shed light on the profound impact of Francis, not only as a pope but as an influential figure in a community he cherished.

Original Source: www.oregonlive.com