ROME -- From meetings with Diego Maradona to the passion for his beloved Buenos Aires club, San Lorenzo, Pope Francis was an avid soccer fan. And a promoter of sports in general. Francis died Monday ...

From meetings with Diego Maradona to the passion for his beloved Buenos Aires club, San Lorenzo, Pope Francis was an avid ...

He was even a card-carrying member of the club ... There was a special audience in connection with a charity soccer match in 2014 when Maradona presented the pontiff with a soccer jersey ...

Pope Francis, a passionate soccer fan, promoted sports and unity, leaving a lasting impact on the sports world.