This morning, the Azzurri of the Italian National Amputee Football team, supported by Gruppo Cattolica, led by FISPES President Sandrino Porru and captained by Francesco Messori, were received by Pope Francis during the Wednesday General Audience in the Paul VI Hall of the Vatican. The delegation, visibly moved, donated the blue jersey worn during the Mexican World Cup in October to the Pontiff. Pope Francis stopped to speak with each one of them and listened with attention and emotion to the story of the number 10 player, Stefano Starvaggi, who recently passed away and is always in his National teammates’ thoughts.

 “Today is a memorable day – President Porru said after the audience - The meeting with the Holy Father evoked very strong emotion. His humanity filled our hearts. The Pope is a solar and open person and he gave us the feeling of a father welcoming us with significant attention to the disabled community and to what we propose in terms of sports practice and individual support.”

 “We are honoured to have been received by Pope Francis – added team Captain, Messori – The Pope is a very simple person and truly has a big heart. We were struck by the fact that he wanted to hear the story of Stefano who passed away recently, promising that he would bring solace to his wife.”