Pope cheers San Lorenzo’s Copa Libertadores win

ABOARD THE PAPAL PLANE (AP) — Pope Francis has cheered the victory of his beloved San Lorenzo soccer club in the Copa Libertadores, saying he was overjoyed with the victory but that it didn’t constitute a miracle.

San Lorenzo defeated Paraguayan side Nacional 1-0 to win the title for the first time Wednesday. A team delegation is expected at Francis’ general audience this week.

Francis was asked how he felt about the win, and the Argentine pontiff joked that anything was good news “as long as Brazil comes in second.”

He recalled that his family members were lifelong fans of San Lorenzo: His mother went to games and his father played basketball for San Lorenzo’s team.

Was a miracle behind the victory? “Miracle? No,” Francis said. “I’m experiencing it with joy.”

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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