Page 1, 2nd September 2005
Page 1
Report an error
Noticed an error on this page?If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it.
Tags
Share
Related articles
Benedict Xvi Leads 'der Kaiser' Back To Church
Beckenbauer Signs Up Pope
Save Us From The Clichés About Benedict
New Milestone For Pope
Pope Adds Football Shirt To Wardrobe
Zapatero Refuses To Attend Papal Mass
Pontiff fails to recognise Pelé
THE POPE might have heard of Franz Beckenbauer but he had no idea who Pelé was when he met him last week, writes Freddy Gray.
When the Pontiff was introduced to the legendary footballer during World Youth Day celebrations, he asked him where he was from. Pelé replied that he was from Brazil. The Pontiff asked again: “You’re from Brazil?” An aide stepped in. “Holy Father, Pelé was the world’s greatest footballer,” he said.
Benedict smiled and allowed Pelé, a devout Catholic, to kiss his hand before he gave him a blessing. AVatican source said that at the height of Pelé’s fame, in the 1960s and 70s, the Pontiff would have been engrossed in his theological studies. “The Holy Father is more of a piano and music man. He isn’t a sportsman,” he added.
In 1998 John Paul failed to recognise Ronaldo, another Brazilian who at that time was the most famous player in the world.
blog comments powered by Disqus