German state official says pope is following World Cup

Published: 2006-06-12

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI is following the evolution of the World Cup soccer tournament in Germany, said Jurgen Ruttgers, minister-president of the North Rhine-Westphalia state. Ruttgers met the pope at the Vatican June 12, the fourth day of the monthlong tournament being held in 12 cities across Germany. "I told the pope about the fantastic atmosphere before the Portugal-Angola game in Cologne" June 11, he said, comparing it to the festive atmosphere in the city last August when Cologne hosted World Youth Day. Portugal won 1-0 in Cologne, one of the principal cities of North Rhine-Westphalia. "World Youth Day taught the German people how to have a big, peaceful party with people of all nations," Ruttgers told German reporters after meeting the pope.

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