Cricketer Angelo Mathews Mourns Pope’s Passing In Heartfelt Tribute
Sri Lankan cricketer expresses grief over pontiff's death, highlighting his inclusive leadership
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Sri Lankan cricket star Angelo Mathews has joined millions of Catholics worldwide in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, expressing his profound sorrow through a heartfelt tribute on social media.
In his Instagram post, Mathews wrote: “Passing of our pope brings immense sorrow to the entire Catholic fraternity across the world as he was a great role model who was known for defending the marginalized and calling for inclusivity. May you RIP 🙏🏻”
The post features an image of Pope Francis, highlighting the pontiff’s significant legacy as a religious leader who championed the causes of the marginalized and advocated for a more inclusive Catholic Church during his papacy.
The Pope’s Legacy Of Inclusivity
Mathews’ tribute specifically highlights Pope Francis’s well-documented efforts to defend marginalized communities and promote inclusivity within the Catholic Church. Throughout his papacy, Francis became known for his more progressive approach to leadership, often reaching out to communities that had previously felt excluded from the Church.
The cricketer’s message resonates with millions of Catholics around the world who viewed Pope Francis as a transformative figure who worked to modernize certain aspects of the Church while maintaining its core teachings.
Angelo Mathews: Balancing Sports And Personal Life
Angelo Mathews is one of Sri Lanka’s most accomplished cricketers. Born on June 2, 1987, in Colombo, he has represented his country as an all-rounder in all formats of the game since 2008 and has served as the captain of the Sri Lankan national team.
Beyond his cricketing achievements, Mathews is known for balancing his professional career with his personal values and faith. His public expressions of religious devotion show a side of the athlete that many fans appreciate beyond his sporting abilities.
While maintaining his professional cricket career, Mathews has been active in various aspects of his personal and community life. Recently, he participated in educational initiatives, collaborating with institutions like The Next Education and BIMT Campus to inspire students, as documented in his social media posts.
Mathews also recently celebrated his wife’s birthday with a touching poem posted on Instagram, writing: “Apple of my eye and the key to my heart… You’re my source of inspiration, be it any odd situation.” The post dedicated to his wife, Heshani Silva, demonstrated his commitment to family alongside his professional and spiritual life.
Moreover, Mathews has been involved in charitable causes, recently participating in the Make a Wish campaign organized by the Indira Cancer Trust, which helps children with cancer. “Everyone deserves a second shot at life and let us all unite to make a better place for children and let’s help out in whatever way possible,” he wrote in that post.
Continuing His Cricket Career
Despite being in the later stages of his cricket career, Mathews continues to be active in the sport. He recently scored 103 runs in 167 balls for Galle against Jaffna in the National Super League 4-day tournament, showing he still has much to contribute to Sri Lankan cricket.
In another recent post, he reflected on his continuing career, writing: “Great to be back playing NSL! Just enjoying each moment and what ever is left,” suggesting a mindful approach to the remainder of his time as a professional cricketer.
The cricketer has also maintained connections with his alma mater, St. Joseph’s College, recently sharing thoughts ahead of the 91st Battle of the Saints cricket match between St. Joseph’s and St. Peter’s College.
As both a respected athlete and a person of faith, Mathews’ tribute to Pope Francis highlights how sports figures often connect with their audiences on matters beyond the playing field, sharing in collective moments of cultural and spiritual significance that transcend their athletic achievements.
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