Pope's soccer habit a perfect fit for papal gifts

Pope Francis receives a jersey of the Spanish national soccer team as a gift from Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajo.

/Reuters

Soccer-mad Pope Francis is building quite a collection of team jerseys.

Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy gave Francis a national jersey signed by all the players during a 25-minute audience Monday in the Apostolic Palace.

The pope quipped: "Just like the San Lorenzo one!'' Last week, members of Francis' beloved Buenos Aires team offered him a club jersey during the pope's general audience and got a papal shout-out in Spanish. Francis is a lifelong San Lorenzo fan and became a club member (ID No. 88235) in 2008.

A few weeks ago, a fan gave Francis another San Lorenzo jersey as the pope drove through St. Peter's Square.

Italy has invited Argentina to play a friendly this summer; Italy coach Cesare Prandelli hopes it will be preceded by a papal audience.