Holy Father reminds Cup final stars of duties to young

The New York Times 19:24 - 16 May 2017

Pope Francis posing with members and players of the Juventus and Lazio teams at the end of an audience with Juventus and Lazio players on the eve of the Tim Cup final

Pope Francis on Tuesday received a group of footballers from Juventus and Lazio on the eve of their Italian Cup final clash.

The 80-year-old pontiff, a keen player himself in his youth and a fan of Buenos Aires club San Lorenzo, told the players they had a "great responsibility towards youth."

"Those who are seen as champions easily become role models," he said before voicing his concern over football-related violence.

Serie A leaders Juventus go into Wednesday's final looking to complete the first leg of a potential league, cup and Champions League treble this season.