Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Pope has said that it is not sacrilegious to call Lionel Messi 'God' - though theoretically it could be construed as blasphemy.
Pope Francis, a keen football fan and a member of San Lorenzo in his native Argentina, was asked the rather unusual question in a Spanish television interview this weekend with La Sexta. His response was considered and witty, in-keeping with the progressive mindset that has seen the 82-year-old pontiff gain popularity around the world.
Messi is arguably the only Argentine better-known than Papa Francisco, and journalist Jordi Evole asked his most holy interviewee whether it was sacrilege to refer to the FC Barcelona forward as 'God' - considering he knew both of those concerned.
"In theory, it is sacrilege," the Pope responded. "You can’t say it.
"But I don’t believe it," he added, before asking Evole's thoughts, with the journalist replying simply: "I do."
"I don’t," laughed the Pope.
"People can say he is God, just as they may say “I adore you”, but only God can be worshipped. Those are just things people say.
“He is a God with the ball on the field” is a popular way for someone to express themselves.
"Of course, he is very good, but he isn’t God."
The Pope made headlines this week when he appeared reluctant for a number of worshippers to kiss his ring.
He later explained that it was a hygiene measure.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments