Celtic to Honor Pope Francis with Emotional Tribute at Upcoming St Mirren Match
Glasgow, Scotland – April 21, 2025 – Celtic Football Club, a bastion of Roman Catholic heritage, has unveiled plans for a poignant tribute to the late Pope Francis during their next Scottish Premiership match against St Mirren on April 23, 2025, at Celtic Park. The announcement follows the passing of the beloved pontiff on Easter Monday at age 88, an event that has deeply affected Catholics worldwide, including Celtic’s devoted fanbase. The tribute will celebrate Pope Francis’s legacy of humility, compassion, and social justice, aligning with the club’s foundational values established by Marist Brother Walfrid in 1887 to support Glasgow’s impoverished Irish Catholic community.
A Legacy Rooted in Faith
Celtic’s identity is inseparable from its Catholic roots, born out of a mission to alleviate poverty among Irish immigrants. This connection was vividly reinforced in November 2023 when Pope Francis welcomed Celtic’s players, staff, and supporters to the Vatican after a UEFA Champions League match against Lazio. During the audience, the Pope lauded the club’s charitable origins, urging the team to embody “courage, generosity, and solidarity.” Manager Brendan Rodgers gifted him a signed Celtic jersey emblazoned with “Francis,” while chairman Peter Lawwell presented a silver Celtic cross, symbols of a bond that resonated with fans globally.
This wasn’t Celtic’s first papal encounter. In 1950, the club visited Pope Pius XII during a trip to face Lazio, receiving a blessing from the pontiff. These moments underscore Celtic’s unique relationship with the Vatican, making their tribute to Pope Francis a natural and deeply meaningful gesture.
Celtic have planned a multi-faceted tribute to honor Pope Francis, who served as the first Latin American pope from 2013 until his death. The club has outlined the following elements for the St Mirren match
A Celtic spokesperson stated: “Pope Francis exemplified the values of compassion and service that are at the heart of Celtic Football Club. We invite our supporters to join us in paying tribute to his remarkable legacy.”
The tribute has galvanized Celtic’s fanbase, many of whom see Pope Francis as a figure who embodied the club’s spirit. On X, supporters have shared memories of the 2023 Vatican visit, with one user,
@CelticFan67
, posting a photo of the Pope holding the gifted jersey, captioned, “A moment we’ll never forget. Time to honor him properly. 
” Others have suggested additional gestures, such as a pre-match hymn or a dedicated rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
The tribute comes at a pivotal moment in Celtic’s season. Leading the Scottish Premiership in their pursuit of a fourth straight title, the team is riding high after a 3-1 win over Motherwell. Fans hope the emotional resonance of the occasion will spur the players to a commanding performance against St Mirren. “This is about our soul as a club,” one fan wrote on X. “Pope Francis would’ve loved the passion of Celtic Park.”
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was a transformative figure, known for his humility, environmental advocacy, and dedication to the poor. A football enthusiast and lifelong San Lorenzo supporter, he connected with Celtic’s ethos during their 2023 meeting, even joking about Scotland’s “special milk” (whisky). His passing, announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell after a battle with respiratory issues, followed a final Easter Sunday appearance at St. Peter’s Basilica, where he blessed thousands despite his frailty.
For Celtic’s Irish Catholic fanbase, Pope Francis held special significance. His 2018 visit to Ireland, where he met thousands at Croke Park, left a lasting impact. The club’s frequent display of the Irish tricolor reflects this cultural tie, making the tribute a nod to both faith and heritage.
The St Mirren match will blend Celtic’s title chase with a moment of spiritual reflection. Brendan Rodgers, who described the 2023 Vatican visit as “a privilege,” is expected to address the tribute in his pre-match comments. The occasion will also resonate with Ireland’s Catholic community, 69% of the population, who have mourned the Pope alongside global leaders like Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin.
As the Vatican enters the sede vacante period to elect a new pope, Celtic’s tribute will stand as a testament to Pope Francis’s enduring influence. His words to the club in 2023—“Maintain the amateur spirit, the most beautiful thing about sport”—will echo through Celtic Park, where fans and players alike will honor a pontiff who championed the values they hold dear.
