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
Being people of peace
Being people of peace

It would be fair to say that the pace and complexity of life works against us finding any peace.

Christians and religious nones alike object to AI-generated social media videos
Christians and religious nones alike object to AI-generated social media videos

Evangelicals, nones and non-denominational Christians reject AI-generated videos, a new study has found.

What we don’t know about Christmas
What we don’t know about Christmas

Every Christmas people are bombarded with images of the Nativity in Christmas cards, the lyrics of songs and Nativity plays. Yet many of the images embedded in our minds are pure tradition. In fact, there is a lot that we do not know. This is the story … 

Richard Moth appointed as new Archbishop of Westminster
Richard Moth appointed as new Archbishop of Westminster

Bishop Richard Moth has been confirmed as the new Archbishop of Westminster, the most senior post in the Catholic Church in England and Wales.