The Vatican's cricket team lost 99-8
to King Charles XI at Windsor Castle Wednesday.
The victorious King's XI was composed of members of the
monarch's household.
The match was the culmination of the Vatican side's 'Light of
Faith' UK tour - its tenth foreign trip since its foundation in
2014 - which has also seen it face off against the England
Seniors team and St Mary's University.
Before the match, Fr Eamonn O'Higgins, the Vatican squad's
manager, had read out a message from Pope Francis.
The Pope sent his greetings to both teams, and expressed his
hope that the event would be an occasion to "build bridges of
fraternal solidarity, promote Christian unity, and advance
generous charitable initiatives."
King Charles had also prepared a message for the occasion. The
monarch pointed out that this was the fourth match between the
Vatican and a royal team, and said he was "delighted" that the
two sides had "once again been brought together by the love of
cricket."
Noting that the Vatican are "reigning champions", having won the
previous match, the King added that he was "await[ing] keenly to
hear of the result!".
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