Whenever travelling to Argentina, you realize quickly their love for soccer and their great pride in the current Pope Francis, who is originally from Argentina. These two important qualities of the country come together as a soccer association was named “Papa Francisco Club” in honor of Jorge Bergoglio after he became Pope. The club of 47 members was founded near Buenos Aires by Jorge Ramírez, a supporter and admirer of Pope Francis. Nevertheless, the Pope has no official connection with this club.
This team is in the semi-professional league and was intended to promote non-violence.Ramirez, the club´s president says, “Our motto is no hooligans, no violence and no insults”. Unfortunately this team fell short of its vision whenever they played their first game against the Trefules. The team´s behavior did not seem so saintly as it ended with four red cards, two from each team.
One of the soccer players from the team, Fabian Gaddi, admitted that “It will be a complicated thing if we insult others, but the pope is Argentinian and he knows and understands us.” Many other players from the Papa Francisco club have also confessed that it is a hard name to live under and will be difficult to always be on their best behavior.
The team continues on and hopes for better results the next game as they have the opportunity to redeem themselves. Argentina looks to the team to help change the image of soccer from violence to respectable conduct .The country wishes for the best as the Papa Francisco Club tries to live up to its name.
