Pope backs football life lessons - bbc
He raised concerns about corruption damaging the image of the so-called Beautiful Game but said younger generations could learn from it.
The Pope was meeting Italian football professionals and a delegation from the lower division Serie D.
The German-born pontiff is said to be a fan of Bavarian giants Bayern Munich.
"I'd like the game of football to be a vehicle for the education of the values of honesty, solidarity and fraternity, especially among younger generations," he told the footballing pilgrims.
