Brendan Rodgers, the manager of Celtic Football Club, recently shared a surprising and personal story involving Pope Francis. During a visit to the Vatican, Rodgers had a private audience with the Pope. In a lighthearted moment, Pope Francis made a comment about Rangers, Celtic’s fierce rivals in Scottish football. The Pope, known for his humility and sense of humor, joked about the rivalry, referencing Rangers in a playful tone. Rodgers appreciated the moment and found it memorable, highlighting how even the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church is aware of the intensity of Scottish football rivalries.
However, when Rodgers later shared this anecdote, it did not resonate well with some sections of the Celtic fanbase. Many fans felt that such a personal and sacred meeting with the Pope should have remained private or focused on deeper matters. Others were disappointed that Rangers were mentioned at all in the context of Celtic’s religious and cultural ties to Catholicism. Rodgers defended his choice to share the story, suggesting it showed the global reach and passion of the game. Still, the reaction revealed how sensitive and complex the Celtic-Rangers rivalry remains, especially when it intersects with religion and identity.
