French Prime Minister Jean Castex gave Pope Francis a shirt that he probably did not have yet: the one signed by Argentine star Lionel Messi with his new team, Paris Saint Germain.
The elastic number 30 signed by Messi and framed was Castex’s unusual gift to the pontiff, who also received more traditional gifts such as an 1836 edition of “Notre Dame de Paris,” Victor Hugo’s classic novel.
“For Francisco with much affection,” read the T-shirt sent to the pope.
Francisco, 84, who has already met Messi in the Vatican, had already received shirts from the player when he was a member of Barcelona, until last season.
Francisco is a great soccer fan and especially of the Argentine San Lorenzo soccer team.
Castex, who met for 35 minutes with the pontiff, arrived at the Vatican and Rome for the celebrations of the centenary of the restoration of diplomatic relations between France and the Holy See. EFE (HN)