When Pope Francis Met Ronaldinho

In 2016, Pope Francis met Brazil football legend Ronaldinho at the Vatican.

The two actually had a close relationship and met on numerous occasions.

Francis asked Ronaldinho about who he preferred out of Pele and Maradona, but spared the uncharacteristically bashful football player’s blushes by not making him answer the question.

'Pele or Maradona?'

When Pope Francis met Ronaldinho pic.twitter.com/MPNLQlAx46

— Catholic Arena (@CatholicArena) July 16, 2026