Benedict XVI leads 'der Kaiser' back to Church

BY WILL GORE
FRANZ Beckenbauer enjoyed an illustrious football career that saw him win the World Cup both as player and manager, and come up against . greats such as Bobby Moore and Pelt. But the German football legend has described a recent meeting with Pope Benedict XVI as the "most important experience of his life".
Mr Beckenbauer said that a meeting with the Pontiff in October 2005 made a deep impression on him.
He told the Munich newspaper Abendzeitung: "Benedict XVI leads people to the Church and I myself am the best example of that."
He added that after the Pope's trip to Bavaria in September 2006 he began to immerse himself in the Pontiff's writings and this inspired him to return to the active practice of his Catholic faith.
Known as "der Kaiser" for his domineering playing style and strong leadership, Beckenbauer twice won the European Footballer of the Year award and played in three World Cups. leading the German team to victory as captain in 1974. He then went on to manage his country, winning the tournament again in 1990. Beckenbauer is currently president of Bayern Munich, Gemiany's biggest club, and chaired the organising committee of last summer's World Cup.