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World Cup 2018: Pope Francis receives personalised Socceroos jersey

Pope Francis exchanges gifts with Australian Governor-General Peter Cosgrove.

Pope Francis exchanges gifts with Australian Governor-General Peter Cosgrove. Photo: Getty

Argentina’s World Cup struggles could help Australia gain a new fan, with the Pope now able to cheer on the Socceroos wearing his personalised jersey.

Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove has had an audience with the Argentinian-born Pope at the Vatican and presented him with a jersey with “Holy Father” on the back.

When presented with the jersey, Pope Francis jokingly asked: “Do I have to put it on now?”

To which, Sir Peter replied “No, no, no, just when you’re watching the game.”

But it’s not the first time Pope Francis, who is known to be an avid soccer fan, has been presented with a football jersey.

Last year, when Pope Francis met with Peru’s President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, he was given a Peruvian national team jersey.

So the question is, which team will Pope Francis be barracking for when the Socceroos face off against Peru on Tuesday night?

It’s a must-win match for the Socceroos and is likely to be the first time in the tournament they will not have the greater crowd support in the stadium — but perhaps the Pope will be on their side.

Australia plays Peru in the final match of the group stage at Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi, Russia at 12am (AEST) Wednesday.

Pope Francis has been given plenty of soccer jerseys throughout his papacy, including from his favourite team, San Lorenzo, with “Francisco Campeon” (Francis Champion) on the back.

In 2013, after the team won the Argentine championship, Pope Francis recalled going to the stadium as a child with his father to watch the team play.

Sir Peter is on a state tour of Europe and will next week represent Australia at the centenary commemorations for the Battle of Hamel.

“During the cordial discussion, the themes of migration, at both global and regional levels, and climate change were considered,” the Vatican said after the meeting.

“Mention was also made of the role of the Church in Australian society, and the current discussion on the protection of minors and vulnerable people, reiterating the commitment of all members of the Church in this regard.”

The two sides also reviewed the “social situation” of Australia and the, “question of peace and stability in the entire region of the Pacific and of Asia”.

-ABC

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