During his flight to Indonesia on 3 September, Pope Francis was presented with the soccer jersey of Mateo Gómez, an 11-year-old boy who was tragically murdered in Spain on 18 August. The jersey, signed by the Pope, serves as a symbol of his condolences and prayers for the boy and his family.
Mateo was stabbed 12 times by a 20-year-old attacker while playing soccer with friends in Mocejón, Toledo. The incident shocked Spain, and the Pope’s gesture offered comfort to the grieving family.
Cope’s Vatican correspondent, Eva Fernández, presented the jersey to Pope Francis, sharing the heartbreaking story of Mateo’s death. The Pope prayed for the boy and signed the jersey, which featured Mateo’s name in white letters on a red background. He also gave Fernández a rosary to pass on to Mateo’s mother, who had written a letter to the Pope.
This poignant moment highlights Pope Francis’ compassion and commitment to supporting those affected by violence and tragedy.