VATICAN CITY - "It was an emotional occasion because when he was elected, the first thing I wanted to do was meet him. Today I had the opportunity to do so and it was a real privilege. I found him to be a straightforward man, with a big heart, who will do everything in his power to help believers." This is what Javier Zanetti had to say to inter.it in an exclusive interview, after he and his family had an audience with Pope Francis.
In a private meeting in Santa Marta, which lasted nearly an hour, he discussed varied subjects with the pontiff, such as his experiences in Italy and Argentina but, above all, about key issues and the hard work done by Inter Campus and the P.U.P.I. Foundation.
A big football lover and fan of San Lorenzo in his homeland, Pope Francis received a number of gifts from Zanetti such as his number 4 shirt and a captain's armband with the flags of Italy, Argentina and the Vatican City embroidered on it, along with Zanetti and the pope's initials. He also received a copy of the Inter Campus book featuring a special message from president Massimo Moratti inside, a sign of the P.U.P.I. Foundation, and a pennant with the crest of Pope Francis on it.
(Photo credits: Simone and Francesco of the Osservatore Romano).
