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.

However, he stated that he had not relished Diego Maradona’s notorious handball, which helped them win the 1986 World Cup. Maradona famously commented that the quarter-final goal against England was scored “a little with the head of Maradona, a little with the hand of God”.

Francis appeared in good spirits as he visited children from over 100 nations, handing out candy and urging everyone in the stadium to shake hands in a show of peace.

Francis had previously hosted a Vatican audience with youngsters from war-torn areas like Palestine and Ukraine.

The Vatican’s inaugural “World Children’s Day” celebrations continue on Sunday with a special liturgy and a reading by Italian actor Roberto Benigni.