Pope Francis on Tuesday received a group of footballers from Juventus and Lazio on the eve of their Italian Cup final clash.
The 80-year-old pontiff, a keen player himself in his youth and a fan of Buenos Aires club San Lorenzo, told the players they had a "great responsibility towards youth."
"Those who are seen as champions easily become role models," he said before voicing his concern over football-related violence.
Serie A leaders Juventus go into Wednesday's final looking to complete the first leg of a potential league, cup and Champions League treble this season.
Pope Francis on Tuesday received a group of footballers from Juventus and Lazio on the eve of their Italian Cup final clash.
The 80-year-old pontiff, a keen player himself in his youth and a fan of Buenos Aires club San Lorenzo, told the players they had a “great responsibility towards youth.”
“Those who are seen as champions easily become role models,” he said before voicing his concern over football-related violence.
Serie A leaders Juventus go into Wednesday’s final looking to complete the first leg of a potential league, cup and Champions League treble this season.
