The bishop of Piracicaba, Dom Devair Araújo da Fonseca, gifted a personalized shirt of XV de Piracicaba to Pope Leon XIV during a meeting in the Vatican.
On February 19, the bishop of Piracicaba, Dom Devair Araújo da Fonseca, met with Pope Leon XIV at the Vatican, where he presented the Pope with a personalized shirt from the local football team, XV de Piracicaba. The meeting, lasting around 20 minutes, allowed the bishop to engage in a light-hearted exchange about the team, to which the Pope responded with gratitude and curiosity regarding the football club.
In addition to the shirt, the bishop also gifted a purple chasuble, symbolizing the Lenten period. This gesture is significant as it reflects not only a cultural connection but also the importance of football in Brazilian society and its role in fostering community spirit. The presence of Father Mateus Kerches, who is currently studying in Rome, allowed for a deeper representation of the Diocese of Piracicaba and its initiatives.
Throughout the meeting, Dom Devair discussed pastoral challenges faced by the Church in Brazil, focusing particularly on issues relevant to the diocese. This dialogue underscores the ongoing connection between local Brazilian parishes and the Vatican, highlighting how local leaders are addressing global and national issues within the Catholic Church framework.
