Pope Juan Paul II’s ‘team’ set to play in Peruvian top flight next year

The promotion play-offs for a place in Peru’s top flight, saw Club Deportivo Juan Pablo II College overcome AD Comerciantes in a two legged final with the game shrouded in controversy, and eventually resolved after a penalty shoot-out to secure a first ever place in Liga 1 for the side from Chongoyape.

The club were only formed in 2015 and took the name as a homage to Pope John Paul II with the club adopting the colours of the Vatican City as their playing kit with the club crest featuring an image of Krakow’s most famous son. The club has also secured a legion of followers from Poland where the former Pope is still a revered figure.

The club’s president is Orfelinda Correa, the wife of Agustín Lozano (founder, owner and current president of the Peruvian Football Federation) which has lead to may opponents suggesting that Club Deportivo Juan Pablo maybe secure some added ‘divine intervention’ when it comes to refereeing decisions.

When alive, Polish Pope Juan Paul II was a devoted KS Cracovia supporter (one of the big two from the city of Krakow with Wisla Krakow being the other well supported side in the city).

Papal interest in the game persists with current Pope Francis being a devoted fan of Argentine top flight Club Atletico San Lorenzo and is a card carrying member of the Boedo based side in Buenos Aires.