Audio By Carbonatix
Pope Francis is backing an interreligious soccer match that will gather greats from around the globe and is aimed at promoting peace and raising money for at-risk kids.
Former Argentina great Javier Zanetti, who spent 19 seasons with Inter before retiring, said the idea for the Sept. 1 match at the Olympic Stadium in Rome arose during an audience he had with Francis last year.
At a press conference Monday, Zanetti said: "The most important thing isn't the match, but the message of peace that the pope wants to give the world."
Argentina coach Gerardo Martino and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will put together teams featuring Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindu and Buddhist players. Among those who have signed up: Lionel Messi, Filippo Inzaghi, Samuel Eto'o.
Francis isn't expected to attend.
Latest Stories
-
Public prophecy can attract legal action if harm is caused—Lawyer
3 minutes -
NPP accuses government of authoritarian tactics
4 minutes -
NPA slashes Fuel Price Floor for April 16 window; petrol now GH¢13.27, diesel at GH¢16.10
4 minutes -
COPEC pushes for partial fuel tax cuts to ease burden on Ghanaians
8 minutes -
Guinness Ghana to award GH¢100,000 to winner of 2026 TGMA Album of the Year
18 minutes -
Accra hosts Africa workshop on civilian protection from explosive weapons
21 minutes -
IMF recommends strengthening of BoG’s macroprudential framework
34 minutes -
Banking sector records gradual recovery but NPLs, sovereign exposures remain high – IMF
36 minutes -
When algorithms decide the story: AI and the new struggle for press freedom
43 minutes -
GRA sharpens frontline capacity to drive tax compliance and boost national revenue
46 minutes -
UG Corporate Football League Week 7: Goals, drama and hat-tricks on display
1 hour -
South Africa names apartheid-era politician as new ambassador to the US
1 hour -
Asante Kotoko apologise for ‘disappointing’ form, vow to hire ‘competent’ coach
1 hour -
Tema daycare reopens after microlight aircraft crash
2 hours -
Free Primary Healthcare to remove cost barriers — NHIA CEO
2 hours