Pope Francis has a clear favorite between Pele, Messi, Maradona, and Cristiano Ronaldo

Keep in mind that Pope Francis was actually born in Argentina

Pope Francis was born is Argentina, he has been a soccer fan throughout his entire life and he even has a club from his country he has always supported. San Lorenzo is the club that the Pope has followed since he was a child and being the most important figure in the Catholic church has never stopped him from feeling that way. Every time he is asked about soccer, the pope responds with deep knowledge and many of the greatest footballers alive pay him a visit in The Vatican. In terms of the best players who ever lived, Pope Francis shares the nationality with two of them. Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona are both from Argentina and they are both always considered amongst the best.

The other two players who are not from Argentina and are always part of the conversation are Cristiano Ronaldo and Edson Arantes do Nascimento, or Pel as the world knows him. When asked about the best players in football history, Pope Francis may surprise more than one with his response. He said via Europa Press: «For me, the great gentleman between the three of them is Pele. He is a man with a huge heart. I spoke to Pele, I met him once on a flight when I was in Buenos Aires. We spoke. A man with so much humanity. Maradona was one of the greats as a player but he failed as a man. Poor him, he slipped and those who adored him never helped him. Many athletes end up like he did. Messi is also a gentleman, although all three of them are great. Each with his own specialty.»

Although there was no mention of Cristiano Ronaldo, that is only because the question posed to hi didn't include the Portuguese star. Surely Pope Francis also considers CR7 amongst the very best who ever played the game.