Felipe Bergoglio, Pope Francis’s Great-Grandson Who Plays in Serie D – Football

In the name of the (Holy) Father. Philip Bergogliogreat-grandson of Pope Francisplay in Serie D with TrestinaUmbrian team from Città di Castello. Same accent and same passion for football as his more illustrious relative, Felipe is the central defenderalways employed by coach Simone Calori in the first friendlies of the season.

Arriving in Italy in 2023

On the pitch his surname certainly does not go unnoticed: “I am proud to wear it on my shirt”, declared the twenty-year-old Argentine to The Nationwho interviewed him to tell his story, from childhood until arriving in Italy in August 2023. Bergoglio began his Italian experience in the Romagna Promotion championship (22 games) with the Misano jersey. Ready for the new experience in the amateurs, he looks to the future with hope, without forgetting his history: “My grandfather Jorge Bergoglio is the Pope’s direct cousin; he is named just like the Holy Father and when he was appointed on March 13, 2013, many at the time thought he was my grandfather. I was not yet ten years old but I remember those moments of celebration at home well”.

The meeting to organize

The third of four brothers, Felipe and his sister Clara have not yet had the opportunity to meet the pontiff: “In the next few months we plan to reach Rome and meet him in person. I can’t wait, I’m sure it will be a great emotion. My father Matias told me that Pope Francis often asks about our family – adds the twenty-year-old -, he wants to know everything”. Understandable, given his great love for football.

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The companions and the blessing

Pope Francis has always confessed to being a big fan of San Lorenzo. “The ball,” he explained a few years ago, “must be a way to share friendships and test yourself in what, in my personal opinion, is the most beautiful game in the world.” While waiting for the match, Felipe enjoys the affection of his teammates, who often “ask me for a blessing before each game. It also happens when they get injured, I’m used to it now.”