VATICAN CITY, July 11 (UPI) -- After Argentina's win Wednesday, the World Cup final will be pope versus pope as the two living pontiffs' respective countries face off in Sunday's match.
Vatican spokesman Rev. Federico Lombardi said that Pope Benedict, 87, is not a big sports fan, and Pope Francis, 77, normally turns his lights out an hour after kick-off time, but he may delay his bedtime for the game. When asked whether or not they would root for their home countries' teams, Lombardi gave a tactful answer.
"Both would want the better team to win, without taking sides," he said.
Their diplomatic support and reported disinterest has not stopped the Internet from having fun with the battle, dubbing it the "holy war."
Sunday.
#ARGvsGER pic.twitter.com/UpGt39o3ZA
— Meredith Frost (@MeredithFrost) July 10, 2014Religion with the most followers worldwide: Football pic.twitter.com/VIpdAavNK3
— ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) July 10, 2014Argentina is counting on Pope Francis and his holy prayers to lead the team to victory -- going as far as putting him on the roster.
Para los tuiteros, el papa Francisco luce la 10 en el partido Holanda vs. Argentina. #ElMundialporRCN pic.twitter.com/yn5ow69rI5
— Noticias RCN (@NoticiasRCN) July 9, 2014Even the Vatican joined in on the social media meme battle.
Argentina vs Switzerland
:)
#Brasil2014
#ArgentinaVsSwitzerland
#ArgentinaVsSuiza
#argentinasvizzera pic.twitter.com/xBFhANFxHo
— VaticanCommunication (@PCCS_VA) July 1, 2014
