Overview
- Teófilo Cubillas presented a replica of Peru’s 1978 World Cup jersey to Pope León XIV during a Vatican audience documented in photos he shared.
- The delegation featured former national coach Ricardo Gareca and former FPF president Edwin Oviedo, bringing together distinct chapters of Peru’s football history.
- Peru21 reports the pope wished “a blessing of peace and wellbeing” for the people of Peru following the meeting.
- Cubillas said on social media that he felt honored by the encounter and thanked Oviedo for helping make the visit possible.
- Media described the exchange as a symbolic gesture connecting Peruvian football’s heritage with a global cultural setting.