Pope brings soccer star back to his faith

Staff reporter

Legendary footballer Diego Maradona has revealed that his countryman Pope Francis has brought him back to his faith.

Speaking at a recent press conference ahead of United for Peace, a friendly soccer match held in aid of the Scholas Occurrentes Foundation, a charity founded by Pope Francis, Maradona said: “I am with Pope Francis, for him I am always available. He is doing a great job also inside the Vatican, which pleases all Catholics.”

Having led the Argentine national team to success at the 1986 World Cup, Maradona was subsequently named football player of the 20th Century along with Pele. However, the player’s life would subsequently fall from the heights of glory to public shame through cocaine abuse.

Referencing his own life, Maradona said: “I had distanced myself from the Church for many reasons. Pope Francis made me come back.”