On Thursday, Pope Francis granted a private audience at The Vatican to a Manchester delegation, including the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, and religious leaders.
While their main agenda was to discuss climate change, they also took the opportunity to present the Pope with a special gift.
The delegation gifted Pope Francis with a framed Manchester United shirt signed by Argentinian player Lisandro Martinez.
Martinez is currently recovering from a fractured metatarsal that ended his debut season at Manchester United prematurely.
Very pleased to join this amazing interfaith group in their audience with @Pontifex this morning. Congratulations on your work, which the Pope wholeheartedly endorsed. #Ourfaithourplanet https://t.co/Fa7EE9cjFq pic.twitter.com/FEhcDRvJSD
— Chris Trott (@ChrisTrott) April 20, 2023
Burnham and the religious leaders discussed the importance of taking collective action to address climate change and Manchester’s role in leading the way.
Meanwhile, Manchester United is gearing up for their quarter-final second-leg match against Sevilla in the Europa League.
The tie is currently level at 2-2, and United hopes to secure a victory to advance to the semi-finals. Despite Martinez’s absence, the team remains focused and determined to succeed.
