Pope Francis, 87 years old, appeared at the Olympic Stadium in Rome this Saturday (25) to give a symbolic kick to a football match as part of the celebrations of the “World Children's Day” festival organized by the Vatican.
Francisco, who has been suffering from health problems, rose from his pitchside seat when the ball was presented to him by a child accompanied by former Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, winner of the 2006 World Cup.
The pope, who is Argentine and a big football fan, gave a gentle touch before watching the action unfold on a brief stroll on the pitch at the stadium, home to the city's professional clubs, AS Roma and Lazio.
The game ball was later returned to the Pope for his signature.
Appearing in high spirits, Francis greeted children representing more than 100 countries, handing out sweets and encouraging thousands of people in the stadium to shake each other's hands in a gesture of peace.
Source: CNN Brasil
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