Image Credentials: Image Title: San Lorenzo Laments the Death of Its Most Famous Fan: Pope Francis Source: AI-Generated Image (Grok, xAI) Date: April 2025 Attribution: Created by AI-generated imagery (Grok, xAI), and it does not depict a real-world scene.
By Staff Writer
BUENOS AIRES, April 21, 2025 — The world lost a spiritual leader on Monday, but for San Lorenzo de Almagro, one of Argentina’s most storied football clubs, the passing of Pope Francis also marked the loss of their most cherished and globally recognized supporter.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, known to the world since 2013 as Pope Francis, was not just a religious icon—he was also member No. 88,235 of San Lorenzo and a lifelong “Cuervo,” a nickname affectionately given to fans of the Buenos Aires-based team. His passion for El Ciclón—as the club is also known—was unwavering, even after ascending to the papacy.
In a heartfelt tribute shared across its social media platforms, San Lorenzo honored the man who put their club on the global map:
“He was never just another fan. He was always one of us. A Cuervo as a boy and as a man… a Cuervo as a priest and as a Cardinal… a Cuervo even as Pope.”
The statement recalled pivotal moments that marked Francis’ lifelong devotion to the club. From attending matches at the historic Estadio Gasómetro in the 1940s, to confirming footballer Ángel Correa in the chapel of the club’s Ciudad Deportiva training center, and even welcoming San Lorenzo delegations at the Vatican with his characteristic warmth and joy, Francis lived his fandom with humility and pride.
The club added:
“From Jorge Mario Bergoglio to Pope Francis, one thing never changed: his love for El Ciclón.”
San Lorenzo’s tribute ended on an emotional note:
“In deep sorrow, San Lorenzo says to Francis: Farewell, thank you, and until we meet again. We will be together for eternity.”
Pope Francis’ connection to San Lorenzo was more than symbolic—it was deeply rooted in his youth, when he would attend games with his father, and later through his priesthood, as he remained close to the club’s community and values.
As tributes pour in from around the world to honor the first Latin American pope and his 12-year papacy, in Boedo—the heart of San Lorenzo territory—his memory will forever live on not just as a religious figure, but as a true son of the azulgrana.
The club flag will fly at half-mast this week at the Estadio Pedro Bidegain, and a moment of silence will be observed before the next home match in tribute to the Cuervo-in-Chief.
Gracias, Francisco. Que descanses en paz.
Staff Writers at Open Chronicle produce in-depth, field-informed reporting on defense, diplomacy, cultural transformation, and global affairs. Known for clarity, accuracy, and analytical depth, they connect breaking developments to broader historical and strategic contexts. In addition to frontline journalism, Staff Writers also contribute to the Open Chronicle Encyclopedia, crafting authoritative entries that preserve critical knowledge and enrich public understanding.