Serie A soccer giants Inter Milan on Wednesday saw Pope Benedict XVI as part of their 100th anniversary celebrations.
Attending a general audience, Inter captain Javier Zanetti gave the pope the two jerseys the Milan club has been alternating this season - its customary blue and black stripes and its vintage Crusader-style red cross on white.
Chairman Massimo Moratti shook the pontiff's hand and presented him with a gilt-edged membership card for the club, which is expected to clinch its third straight and 16th overall title on Sunday.
Coach Roberto Mancini, who bent to kiss the pope's ring, said ''being here in St Peter's today is a meaningful experience''.
The pope addressed a ''dear greeting'' to the club and underscored ''the importance of the moral values of sport in the upbringing of new generations''.
