00:00 | Vatican City (The Vatican), Apr. 30.
Former professional soccer player Cesar Cueto — a club ambassador, icon, and one of the most emblematic figures of Peru's Alianza Lima — traveled to the Vatican last week and achieved his goal of meeting
Pope Leo XIV.
In addition to greeting the Pontiff, the man known as the "Poet of the Left Foot" presented him with what the club described as a special gift.
"Pope Leo XIV has held Peruvian nationality since 2015, when he served as bishop in his beloved city of Chiclayo," the club recalled in a statement.
"Furthermore, like most of Peru, he is a supporter of Alianza Lima, the country's largest and most popular team," it pointed out.
At the Vatican, Cueto delivered the club's 2026 home jersey, "with the intention not only of having it blessed, but to offer a gift on behalf of the institution," Alianza Lima added.
Long live Pope Leo XIV!
"It is a source of pride that the Pope is not only Peruvian, but also blanquiazul (blue-and-white supporter). It is an honor for me to be at the Vatican, presenting this gift on behalf of the institution — the biggest club in Peru: Alianza Lima," Cueto expressed.
The club extended "a cordial and warm greeting to the Catholic Church's highest authority worldwide."
"Long live Pope Leo XIV! Long live Alianza! For life!" it concluded.
(END) NDP/CCH/MVB
Published: 4/30/2026