Del Potro's dream of meeting Pope Francis comes true

At last, Juan Martin Del Potro met His Holiness Pope Francis, the first Pope from South America and a fellow Argentine, after attending Mass at the Vatican on Wednesday.

Image © ATP World Tour

"It was an incredible experience with Pope Francis, something that I'll never forget,” said del Potro according to an ATP Tour press-release. “It was a dream come true for a guy like me. It was an unforgettable moment. I was very nervous before meeting him, to be able to congratulate him and talk with him. He was nice. Everybody knows he is very humble. Today was a day that I'll remember for ever." Del Potro was thrilled with the Pope's nomination back in March and was planning to meet His Holiness in Rome during the Masters. 

And to his surprise, Del Potro was recognised today by the Pope in the crowd after the Mass. "He told me that he knew I was playing at the tournament in Rome, he blessed me and wished me the best. I congratulated him and thanked him for the opportunity to talk to him." The World Nº7 gave the Pope a racquet used during his 2009 US Open final victory over Roger Federer.

Del Potro hopes to meet new Pope in Rome

Pope Francis (on the left), image by Vatican/ Del Potro (right side), image by Roland Garros

Juan Martin Del Portro hopes to meet his fellow Argentine and new Pope Francis in Rome during the Masters 1000 that will take place in May.

According to Argentine newspaper Clarín, Del Potro was overwhelmed with emotion when he heard that Buenos Aires's Bishop Jorge Bergoglio was chosen to suceed Pope Benedict XVI. "We are all proud of him, I wish him the best and I believe he will do a perfect job", said the tennis player about Pope Francis. I really hope to meet the Pope in May when I play the Masters in Rome, added Del Potro.

The number 7 player in the world confesses he is a devout Catholic and believes this nomination is very important for Argentina and the Argentine people.