Source: Roma News
Francesco Totti has reflected on his faith and pivotal moments in his career, marking his 50th birthday on 27 September. The account appears in the weekly publication Maria con te, which dedicates its cover to the former Roma captain and explores his relationship with religion, including visits to the Santuario del Divino Amore.
Totti visited the shrine after Italy's Euro 2000 final defeat to France, accompanied by his mother, Fiorella Marrozzini. He left a written prayer: "Most Holy Mother, to You my deepest gratitude and recognition for taking care of me, for raising me in faith and guiding my steps. To you I entrust my life in the certainty that everything you allow to happen will be a project of love for me." Totti explained: "She and I have always been deeply devoted to the Virgin."
Four years later, during Euro 2004, Totti returned to the sanctuary following the incident in which he spat on Danish footballer Christian Poulsen. On that occasion he left another handwritten message: "Most Holy Madonna, I ask your forgiveness and do not abandon me ever. Your Francesco." Totti reflected on the gesture, saying: "The most beautiful way to apologize is to turn to someone who can forgive." He added: "I felt the need to give my shirt to the Madonna of Divino Amore. To her I entrust myself and I feel at peace with God and with men."
Totti's spiritual devotion runs deeper still. He was baptized at the sanctuary and has returned on special occasions throughout his life. His faith was shaped from childhood through his parents' example and his experience at the Natività parish church on Via Gallia, as well as a childhood meeting with Pope John Paul II at a general audience.
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Testo Originale / Source Text
“In occasione del 50 compleanno di Francesco Totti, che cadrà il prossimo 27 settembre, il settimanale mariano Maria con te, del Gruppo Editoriale San Paolo, dedica la copertina all’ex capitano della Roma. Al centro del racconto c’è il rapporto tra Totti e la fede, con particolare attenzione ai…”
Read the full article in Italian at Roma News.
Ticket sales have opened for Roma's Champions League match against Slovan Bratislava on Tuesday 20 October at 21:00 at Stadio Olimpico. The fixture is matchday 3 of the league phase. The initial phase of sales is reserved for Plus subscribers and women's first-team subscribers, with tickets available through the club's official channels.
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