A cordial meeting, with many photos, smiles and an exchange of pre-Christmas gifts: Bruno Mossa De Rezende was received in the Vatican by the Pope together with Gian Paolo Maini, head of the Modena Volley press office and Davide Romani, journalist of the Gazzetta of Sport, authors of the biography of the green and gold director. Excited, the Brazilian champion was the first to break the ice, replying to the Pontiff who thanked him for the visit: “I brought something for you and I wanted to give it to you personally, it’s a great honor Your Holiness”. Then he took “From Darkness to Gold” and placed it in the hands of Jorge Mario Bergoglio: “This is a part of my story, it contains the description of my life and a small message.” The Pope appreciated it: “I will gladly read it”. Bruno wanted to add a further tribute, his Modena Volley number 1 shirt with the name “Francesco”. Smiling, Pope Bergoglio thanked for such a precious gift, for him who is a great sports fan. Bruno was then received by Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Minister of Sport, Culture and Education, who gave him the Athletica Vaticana shirt together with President Gianpaolo Mattei, the sports club strongly supported by Pope Francis during an interview of great intensity: “Dear Bruno, you are an ambassador of sport and life, your book is the demonstration that humility is a fundamental value, today more than ever, to be transmitted especially to the younger ones”.
