Zanetti: Pope Francis embodied ‘humility and vision’ | OneFootball

Inter Vice President Javier Zanetti recalls his first meeting with the late Pope Francis, which led to the creation of a ‘Match for Peace,’ as he embodied both ‘humility and vision.’

Pope Francis died on Monday morning at the age of 88.

“I closed my eyes and thought about our first meeting in the Vatican, with my family, wife and children, also present,” Zanetti told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“It was an indescribable emotion. I found a humble and open person in front of me, very friendly. A simple man who told me about when he used to play basketball and his relationship with sports. We immediately formed a strong bond. I gave him an Inter shirt and found myself talking about playing the World Cup with Argentina.”

His first meeting with the Pontifex gave Zanetti “a sense of absolute peace.”

“He blessed each of us and spent a bit more time with Tomas, who was only one year old at the time,” continued the Inter legend.

“I still look at that photo of him placing a hand on Tomas’ head. It still gives me chills. That meeting was an emotion I can’t put into words.

Zanetti: Pope Francis embodied ‘humility and vision’

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN – OCTOBER 22: Pope Francis holds a gift of FC Bayern Muenchen during an private audience with the team of FC Bayern Muenchen in the Palace of the Vatican on October 22, 2014 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)

“What struck me is that he recited from memory the entire San Lorenzo line-up that won the title in 1946,” said Zanetti.

“That day, the idea of a ‘Match for Peace’ was born, and it was actually played in 2014. The idea was to create something powerful that could unite people of different religions and bring together stars from around the world.

“I made myself available to bring that idea to life through my [Pupi] foundation, which we talked about extensively. That match was broadcast on TV in over 20 countries.”

Several football stars took part in the game.

“Del Piero, Totti, Valderrama, Maradona, Simeone. It was a big event, not just for the match itself, but also for the message of unity it sent to the whole world,” continued the former defender.

“Pope Francis made the Church simpler and closer to us all. I still remember his first speech. He eliminated the distance. Humility and vision. This was Pope Francis above all. We spoke the same language, and he almost felt like he was one of us.”

Four Serie A matches were scheduled for Monday but have been called off and rescheduled for Wednesday, April 23.