Intro:

German footballing giants Bayern Munich visit the Pope at The Vatican on Wednesday (October 22nd).

Script:

The stars of German champions Bayern Munich would normal expect some well deserved rest after another successful night in Europe but, following their incredible 7-1 Champions League thrashing of Roma, the side were up early the next morning.

Smartly attired in their official club suits, a delegation of players, coaches and officials left the team hotel and made their way to the Vatican for a private audience with Pope Francis.

The Bayern bus was the first vehicle of the day admitted to the inner precincts of the Vatican.

On his arrival, Francis praised his guests' performance at the Stadio Olimpico, telling the team that they: ' played a wonderful game'.

The Pope, a passionate football fan, admitted to "surprise" at the margin of victory the previous evening.

The Pope was then presented with a football signed by all the players, symbolically representing a friendly match to be played in the course of the next year.

Captain Philipp Lahm and Manuel Neuer also presented Francis with a framed and signed original Bayern shirt bearing the number 1 and the name "Francis."

The members of the delegation then received a gift of their own, a small crucifix on a chain.