Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers Gifts Pope Francis Signed Jersey in Rome
Former Ballymena United player and current Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers had the honor of meeting Pope Francis during a private audience in Rome on Wednesday. The highlight of the encounter was when Rodgers presented the Pontiff with a signed Celtic jersey featuring the name ‘Francis’ and adorned with the club’s Magners sponsorship logo.
Accompanying Rodgers during the visit to the Vatican were Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell and players Callum McGregor, Liam Scales, Stephen Welsh, Mikey Johnston, Anthony Ralston, Paulo Bernardo, and Cameron Carter-Vickers. In addition to the jersey, Celtic gifted Pope Francis a symbolic silver Celtic cross.
During the meeting, Pope Francis took the opportunity to address the players, emphasizing the importance of their role as role models. He encouraged them to have courage, perseverance, generosity, and respect for the God-given dignity of others, both on and off the field. The Pope also highlighted Celtic Football Club’s noble founding goal of alleviating poverty in Glasgow, underscoring the heavy responsibility the players carry as representatives of the club’s valued legacy.
Pope Francis said, The valued legacy of your Club, then, places a heavy responsibility upon your shoulders, reminding you to be good role-models, especially for young people. In this regard, men and women should see in you not just fine footballers but also people of kindness, big-hearted men who know how to be wise stewards of the many benefits you receive from your privileged positions within society.
Expressing his gratitude for the audience, Rodgers acknowledged that Celtic’s recent loss in the UEFA Champions League match against Lazio was a result of lacking key players. He emphasized the need for experienced and high-quality players, expressing hope for resolutions in upcoming transfer windows.
The private audience with Celtic comes as Pope Francis’s planned visit to the United Nations climate summit COP28 in Dubai was canceled due to health concerns. Despite having recovered from a respiratory illness earlier this year, the Pope’s medical team advised him to take it easy. The cancellation is in line with the Vatican’s announcement that the Pope’s health has been improving, but precautions are still necessary.
The Pope’s trip to COP28 was originally scheduled to take place over three days, beginning on Friday. With his 87th birthday approaching next month, Pope Francis continues to prioritize his well-being.
The meeting between Brendan Rodgers and Pope Francis serves as a testament to the special connection between Celtic Football Club and the Catholic Church. It highlights the club’s commitment to its values and the positive impact it aims to make on society. As the players return to Scotland, they carry not only the memories of their meeting with Pope Francis but also the reminder to be true role models on and off the field.
With this encounter, Brendan Rodgers and his team have experienced a unique moment that will undoubtedly influence and inspire them in their future endeavors. As they reflect on the Pope’s words of wisdom, Celtic Football Club continues to leave a lasting legacy that extends beyond victories on the pitch, embodying the spirit of goodwill and compassion.
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