The Story Of Maradona Meeting Pope John Paul II And Pope Francis

The historic encounter of God's Hand Diego Maradona and God's Right Hand, Pope Francis) at the Vatican. (vavavanews.va)

JAKARTA - Diego Armando Maradona has had a bad experience meeting the great Catholic leader at the Vatican. In the past, when he met Pope John Paul II in person. As a result, Maradona was furious and arguing.

He considered the intention of the Pope to eradicate poverty in the fake world. It was different when Maradona met Pope Francis. Maradona likes his simple appearance. He likes to find a sincere holy person in a humanitarian mission. Maradona admitted to being her biggest fan.

No one doubts Maradona's existence as a world football star. His actions playing football often provokes a stir. However, other excitements also occurred off the field.

His political attitude in favor of those who are persecuted is unbearable. He even idolized the world's left revolutionary figures such as Che Guevara to Fidel Castro. Later Maradona has been active in his role as a humanitarian activist.

El Diego also likes to hang out with those who have the same intentions as him. He also tried to come to the Vatican to meet Pope John Paul II in 1986. The arrival was considered an important part of his life.

Maradona can meet with figures who often carry out humanitarian missions. Hope for hope. The story that Pope John Paul II told helps the poor, especially children, is considered a mere empty message by him.

He saw firsthand how majestic the Palazzo Apostolico (Apostolilic Palace) is with its gold ceiling. He witnessed for himself how the Pope was served. He considered the Pope never felt any difficulties in his life. The Pope's stomach was never empty. Never once felt starving.

Maradona also thought that what kind of people live in a palace with gold ceilings. Then, they came to a poor country and kissed the children with full stomachs. Maradona also challenged the Pope to sell his gold ceiling.

Maradona's challenge is directed so that the Pope can really help reduce poverty. However, both of them actually argued.

Before I continue my story, say from the highest peak of my career right after the 1986 Mexican World Cup I commented on a lot of problems with a lot of people. Yes, I've had a fight with Pope John Paul II.

I was annoyed that I went to the Vatican and saw the golden ceiling. And then I heard the Pope say that the church cares about poor children. However, my emotions exploded, I asked the Pope to sell the golden ceiling: Do something! You have everything to help the poor, "said Maradona in the bookYo soy el Diego (2000).

Maradona had an argument with Pope John Paul II. However, that condition did not occur when he met the new Catholic leader: Pope Francis. He first met Pope Francis and went well in 2014.

The encounter took place amid preparations for a charity match at Casa Santa Marta, Vatican. The meeting of the two Argentines made big news in Italy. There was a big media to write: The Hand of God (Maradona) meets God's Right Hand (Pope Francis).

There is no inappropriate word coming out of Maradona's mouth. Instead, he praised Pope Francis as a pure person who sincerely carried out the humanitarian mission. This view came from the simplicity of the Pope and also the traces of his struggle to voice many things from antiwar to poverty.

Maradona even gave the Pinggiran Pope (the nickname because Francis often sided those marginalized) the Argentine national team uniform with the number 10 jersey with the name Francisco. He also claimed to be a fan of Pope Francis.

Maradona did not forget to place an important message in the uniform given. The message was for Pope Francis, with all his love and (hope) a lot of peace in the world. The Pope also expressed his admiration for Maradona's dedication to football.

Pope Francis even gave a touching message when Maradona passed away in 2020. He remembers Maradona as a great footballer in the world. The Pope considers that Maradona's achievements are difficult to equate with other football players.

born in severe poverty, Diego rises with his own hard work, amazes his opponents, and gets respect from sports fans around the world. The ball seems to be attached to his left foot. In his best condition - and his best condition is the highest - and nothing matching it.

"But like any other genius, his expertise and luminosity are limited to one particular area, and he is struggling in other aspects of his life, beset by problems related to drugs and alcohol, which he has never tried to forgive or hide. He fought it with all his might and publish it," Pope Francis said as quoted by the Vaticannews.va page, November 25, 2020.