Lisbon, Portugal, May 12, 2010 / 09:50 am
Prior to Mass in Lisbon on Tuesday, the current champions of the Portugal's soccer league gave Pope Benedict the team's jersey with the name “Bento” and the number 16 printed on the back.
In an interview with Agencia Ecclesia, the Portuguese bishops' news agency, the team's captain, Nuno Gomes remarked that he was filled "with great emotion and pride" during the celebration in Lisbon. "The Catholic soccer players are very pleased with the visit of Benedict XVI to Portugal.”
In addition to the soccer team, volunteers for World Youth Day 2011 lined the streets of Lisbon for the Pope’s visit.
Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates, who attended the Mass, called the Holy Father’s trip to the country “extraordinarily important.”
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA