On April 21, 2025, Pope Francis died at the age of 88 after suffering a stroke at his Vatican residence. His death shocked the Catholic world and millions of faithful, especially in Latin America, the region of origin of the Pontiff, who was born in Argentina.
The funeral was held on April 26 in the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome and was broadcast globally. The Holy See has confirmed that the conclave to elect his successor will begin on May 7. But what does the death of Pope Francis have to do with the Champions League?
Historical coincidences
Beyond the religious sphere, the death of Pope Francis has attracted the attention of soccer fans, especially Champions League fans, due to an intriguing coincidence:
On the last three occasions that a Pope has died, an English team has won the UEFA Champions League in the same season.
Su muerte conmocionó al mundo católico y a millones de fieles
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These are the documented coincidences:
1978/79: John Paul I dies → Nottingham Forest, champion.
2004/05: John Paul II dies → Liverpool, champion.
2022/23: Benedict XVI dies (now emeritus) → Manchester City, champion.
Next on the list?
Buzzy
The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League season has Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, as the only English representative in the semi-finals.
The London team eliminated Real Madrid in the quarterfinals with a 5-1 aggregate win and will now face Paris Saint-Germain.
Gunners fans are still hoping to reach their first final since 2006 and win their first Champions League title.
This fact could coincide with the historical trend related to papal deaths.
Although there is no scientific evidence to support a relationship between ecclesiastical events and sporting results, the repetition of these patterns has generated debate among believers, superstitious people and soccer fans.
In U.S. Hispanic communities, where both Catholicism and soccer are cultural mainstays, this type of coincidence does not go unnoticed.
While awaiting the outcome of the Champions League and the new Pope, Arsenal is still on the road, with a narrative that transcends the sporting.
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