(Image source from: Will Pope Francis support Brazil at World Cup?})

Pope Francis is strongly tempted to support Brazil at the World Cup following signed gifts from Brazillian player. Francis after receiving the gifts joking said that  he feels like supporting Brazil over his native Argentina during the forthcoming World Cup.

On Friday Pope Francis gave audience to Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff who presented him with a jersey of the country's national team that had been signed by football legend Pele. Besides he was given a ball signed by Ronaldo.

Rousseff had asked the pontiff to maintain neutrality, according to reports from the Vatican. The Brazilian President was at at Vatican City to see Rio's archbishop being ordained into a cardinal.

Football great Pele signed the jersey with No 10 -  "To Pope Francis with respect and admiration," while the ball from Ronaldo was signed with - "to Pope Francis, a big hug from your friend Ronaldo."

Pope Francis has been a lifelong fan of San Lorenzo, a club in Buenos Aires. Since his assumption of office, Pope Francis has been presented with an enormous collection of jerseys.

The 2014 FIFA World Cup will be held in Brazil from 12 June to 13 July 2014. This is the second time, after 1950, that Brazil will host the competition on its grounds.

(Picture Source: thewardrobedoor.com)

(AW: Pratima Tigga)