Emotional moment of silence in Montjuïc before Barça-Mallorca for the death of Pope Francis

The match between FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys had, before its start, a particularly emotional moment. All those present at the culé stronghold observed a heartfelt minute of silence in homage to the recently deceased Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 at his residence in the Casa Santa Marta of the Vatican, due to a stroke that caused him to enter a coma, followed by an irreversible cardiovascular collapse.

Returning to the team, this is, for its part, the second tribute that FC Barcelona pays to the deceased supreme pontiff, the first of Latin American origin. It should be remembered that, upon learning of the news of his passing, the Blaugrana club publicly expressed its condolences for such a regrettable loss, which has moved the entire world: "FC Barcelona expresses its condolences for the death of Pope Francis," they stated.

The special connection of Barcelona with Pope Francis

At this point, it should not be overlooked that Pope Francis, a recognized football lover, follower and member of the Argentine San Lorenzo, had a connection with FC Barcelona in the past. In 2015, the supreme pontiff received a delegation from the Blaugrana team at the Vatican. The visit was part of the 'Scholas Occurrentes' agreement, which consisted of recording and disseminating support videos with the players, as well as training educators.

On that occasion, it could be seen how the then president of the Catalan team, Josep Maria Bartomeu, gave Pope Francis a personalized FC Barcelona shirt, with the name "Papa Francesc" printed on the back.

Likewise, the supreme pontiff received FC Barcelona for the second time at the Vatican. This visit took place in 2018, when, again, the then president of the culé team, Josep Maria Bartomeu, led a Blaugrana delegation that was received by Pope Francis. The reason for the meeting was the visit of the Open Arms organization and several of its representatives, within the framework of its collaboration with the club's Foundation.