Pope Francis Signs a Jersey in Honor of Mateo, the Boy Murdered in Mocejón

As part of his apostolic journey to several countries in Asia and Oceania, Pope Francis made an emotional gesture aboard the plane that was taking him to Indonesia. During the 13-hour flight to Jakarta, the Holy Father signed a football jersey sent by the family in honor of Mateo, the 11-year-old boy who was murdered while playing football with his friends in Mocejón, Toledo. Spanish journalist Eva Fernández, among the 80 journalists accompanying the Pope on his tour, shared the news through her social media channels.

According to Fernández's account, the Pope was moved upon receiving the football jersey along with a letter from the boy's family. The Spanish journalist explained to the Pope how Mateo was murdered on August 18 when he was stabbed by a young neighbor with severe mental health issues while playing football in his village. This incident has deeply affected the community of Mocejón, and now, thanks to this gesture from the Pope, Mateo's story has reached the Vatican. Upon hearing the story, the Pope "immediately requested a rosary for his mother," concluded the journalist.

After signing the jersey, the Pontiff arranged for it to be sent back to Spain, where it will be delivered to Mateo's family as a symbol of closeness during this time of sorrow for them and their loved ones.

This gesture has sparked a wave of reactions, including one from Emiliano García-Page, president of Castilla-La Mancha. Through his profile on X, he thanked the Pope for his gesture towards the boy's family. "There are images that speak directly to the heart. I commend Pope Francis' beautiful gesture in signing Mateo's jersey and fulfilling his mother's wish for it to reach him. My thoughts remain with the family."

The flight to Indonesia marks the beginning of a tour that will take Pope Francis to visit not only this country but also Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore. Upon arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta, the Pontiff was warmly welcomed by several bishops of the country along with two children dressed in traditional attire who presented him with flowers as a sign of welcome. After a brief reception ceremony lasting less than ten minutes, the Pope proceeded to the Apostolic Nunciature in downtown Jakarta where he will stay to recover from the long journey.

Pope Francis, known for his closeness to vulnerable people, also had a private meeting with refugees assisted by Jesuit Refugee Service and other marginalized groups in society, including orphaned children raised by Dominican sisters, elderly people, and homeless individuals accompanied by Sant'Egidio, according to Vatican sources.

This Wednesday, Pope Francis will begin his first full day in Indonesia with a private meeting with the country's president, Joko Widodo. The Pontiff will then deliver his first speech of the trip before government and civil officials and will meet with members of the local Jesuit community. Later on, he will address Indonesia’s bishops, priests, deacons, seminarians, and consecrated persons at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral.