Pope Francis was a lifelong football fan, and his deep affection for his beloved Argentine club San Lorenzo was no secret.
His spiritual journey often ran parallel with moments from the beautiful game.
Legends Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho and Gianluigi Buffon shared a unique connection with the pontiff who passed away on Monday.
A look at Pope Francis' enduring bond with football:
Pope Francis shared a warm moment with Brazilian football great Ronaldinho at the inauguration of the Laudato Si School in Rome on May 19, 2022 -- a fitting meeting between two icons known for spreading joy in different ways.
Shortly after he was elected Pope in 2013, Buenos Aires club San Lorenzo tweeted a photo of him proudly holding the club's crest, an image that went viral among Argentine football fans.
San Lorenzo, nicknamed 'the Saints', enjoyed a golden run after Francis' election as the 266th Pope in March 2013.
The club clinched the national league title that year and followed it up with a historic first Copa Libertadores triumph in 2014.
Pope Francis was presented with a replica of the Argentine league trophy at the Vatican on December 18, 2013.
Not just a fan, Francis was an official member of San Lorenzo, holding ID No. 88235.
Fittingly, the club's planned new stadium will bear his name, keeping his legacy alive.
Francis met soccer legend Diego Maradona twice during his papacy.
When Maradona passed away in 2020, the Pope remembered him in his prayers.
In 2014, Maradona gifted him a jersey emblazoned with 'Francisco' and No. 10 -- an emotional tribute from one Argentine legend to another.
'I am Francis' top fan,' Maradona declared after their second meeting in 2015.
'Francis was a special pope, able to illuminate in his time like only the greatest can,' Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon, who met the Pope several times, said on Instagram.
Pope Francis received a jersey signed by players of Celtic FC, presented by manager Brendan Rodgers during a visit to the Vatican on November 29, 2023.
His love for football also extended to the youth. He watched with joy as children played football during the first-ever World Children's Day celebration at Rome's Olympic Stadium on May 25, 2024.