Andrea Radrizzani was thrilled to meet the head of the Catholic Church
As much as many people want to keep football, religion and politics separate, it is impossible. Look at the Old Firm derby and the chants that are sung around the grounds during those fiercely contested historic derbies. Look at the reception the Spanish national anthem got at the 2015 Copa del Rey final between Athletic Bilbao and Barcelona.
Football is intrinsically linked to the world of religion and politics. However, Leeds United have never had any strong ties to the Catholic church, bar having several Irish legends and Italian owners. So it was quite the surprise to see the head of the Catholic church presented with a Leeds jersey by the club’s chairman this afternoon.
Andrea Radrizzani, owner and chairman of Leeds United, today tweeted that it was an ‘Emotional and unique moment to meet his holiness’ after he had gifted Pope Francis a Leeds top with his name on the back.
Emotional and unique moment to meet his holiness @pontifex and donate an @lufc jersey… 🙏💛💙⚽ we have one special supporter pic.twitter.com/Z4hpbEXiGD
— Andrea Radrizzani (@andrearadri) September 5, 2018
The Pope himself has not yet confirmed whether he has been converted to Leeds United fandom after being presented with the jersey.
