Who has God on their side? Popes to battle it out in World Cup final

 (Photo: Vatican)

It's set to be the holiest World Cup final yet, as Pope Francis' native Argentina will face Germany, the homeland of Pope Benedict XVI, on Sunday night.

In a shocking semi-final, Germany tore down host rivals Brazil with a humiliating 7-1 win earlier this week, and Argentina beat the Netherlands 4-2 in penalties after a far slower match last night in Sᾶo Paulo.

This means that the current and last Pope, both of whom are said to be huge football fans, will see their native teams battle it out on the pitch in the hopes of lifting that elusive golden trophy.

Some are cheekily suggesting that it will be a testament to who is the greatest pray-er, and perhaps even who enjoys the highest favour with God, though the two popes have prayed side-side-by side in the past, and Francis declared "We are brothers," upon meeting Benedict for the first time since his election to papacy last year.

The current Pontiff is an avid supporter of the Saints of San Lorenzo in Buenos Aires while his predecessor is said to be a fan of Bayern Munich, but each will no doubt be cheering on their respective national teams during the final on Sunday.

The question is: who will pray the hardest?

related articles
11 World Cup stars who are also Christians...

11 World Cup stars who are also Christians...

Why Pope Francis loves football
Why Pope Francis loves football

Why Pope Francis loves football

So Pope Francis is the most influential tweeter. Here are nine reasons why he\'s so popular.
So Pope Francis is the most influential tweeter. Here are nine reasons why he's so popular.

So Pope Francis is the most influential tweeter. Here are nine reasons why he's so popular.

Brazil 2014: 10 amazing God moments of the World Cup

Brazil 2014: 10 amazing God moments of the World Cup

News
Preacher fined over Bible verse display challenges abortion clinic buffer zones
Preacher fined over Bible verse display challenges abortion clinic buffer zones

The abortion buffer zones have been branded "censorship zones".

God is the remedy for grief
God is the remedy for grief

To have loved deeply and to have been loved in return is one of life’s greatest gifts. But when that love is taken away, grief follows. And grief, in many ways, never fully leaves.

What does new school trans guidance mean for Scotland?
What does new school trans guidance mean for Scotland?

Although the draft guidance applies only to schools in England, there are ramifications for Scotland too.

Why is 1 Corinthians 13 often read at weddings?
Why is 1 Corinthians 13 often read at weddings?

St Paul wrote a timeless definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13, known as the “love chapter”, which is one of the most famous chapters in the Bible and is often read at weddings. This is the story …