Inside the moment Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers and his players met the Pope two years ago and gifted him signed top

POPE FRANCIS passed away this morning aged 88. The leader of the Roman Catholic church had been hospitalised for weeks in February and March after suffering from bronchitis and double pneumonia. 3 Pope Francis passed away this morning after having battled illness earlier this year Credit: AFP 3 Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers had met the pontiff back in 2023 Credit: Alamy 3 Rodgers and members of his squad were in attendance for his weekly public audience He was discharged on 23 March and blessed crowds of worshippers on Easter Sunday , also meeting US Vice President JD Vance .

But a statement from the Vatican this morning announced the pontiff's passing. Today's football matches in the Italian Serie A have been postponed in a mark of respect for the Pope. A delegation from Celtic met the late pontiff back in 2023, when they were granted a private audience in the Vatican .



READ MORE CELTIC STORIES MINE'S A TREBLE Brendan Rodgers JOKES about phantom Celtic Treble as he closes in on record MEGA OFFERS Rangers & Celtic: Best free bets, bonuses and sign-up offers The Hoops were in Rome for a Champions League match against Lazio, losing out 2-0 . The trip to Italy afforded Brendan Rodgers and a handful of his players, including Callum McGregor , Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales , the chance to meet the Pope and present him with a signed Celts shirt with 'Francis' on the back. Rodgers had spoken of his excitement at the opportunity before travelling, saying: "That will be absolutely amazing.

"We would be blessed to do that, it would be a real privilege." Most read in Football PALMED OFF Celtic loan flop heading back to Parkhead in the summer just two league starts Football called off Football matches postponed in Italy following death of Pope Francis A FYNE DAY McCoist labelled 'Scotland's James Bond' as he takes Easter dip in cold loch ICON GONE Argentina legend dies aged 80, after 'complications' following hip surgery And the Pope returned the pleasantries, saying: "I am pleased to welcome you here to the Vatican, during your stay in Rome following your UEFA Champions League match with Lazio yesterday evening. “While it is true that winning rather than losing a match is always preferred, it is not the most important aspect! Gordon Strachan on burying the hatchet with McGeady and THAT Boruc 'Pope' t-shirt "More vital is the example you give when winning or losing, both on and off the field.

"An example that embodies the virtues of courage, perseverance, generosity and respect for the God-given dignity of others. "Indeed, Celtic Football Club was founded in 1887 with the specific goal of alleviating poverty in the City of Glasgow . "This was truly a charitable undertaking for the sake of the most needy of our brothers and sisters.

"Yet, how much the world of football has changed since then - in particular, the financial footprint of the ‘Beautiful Game’ has greatly increased, and at times can risk making football only attractive for reasons of monetary profit. "The valued legacy of your club, then, places a heavy responsibility upon your shoulders, reminding you to be good role-models, especially for young people. "The standards you are called to set concern not only your abilities as sportsmen and the classic qualities required to excel, but are also about your personal integrity.

"In this regard, men and women should see in you not just fine footballers but also people of kindness, big-hearted men who know how to be wise stewards of the many benefits you receive from your privileged positions within society. "With these brief remarks, I pray that you will continue to remember and bear witness to everything that makes sport genuinely good and noble. Read more on the Scottish Sun LEGEND'S VOW I'm nearly 80 and toured for 60 years - I'd rather die on stage than retire 'SHOCK' Customers fear they've lost thousands as Scots tourist attraction closes suddenly "May Almighty God bless each of you and your families .

"I wish you a safe journey home to Scotland , and ask you, please, to pray for me!" Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page.