Pope Francis prepares video message for Super Bowl

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Pope Francis has released a video regarding Super Bowl LI
He says he hopes it serves as a sign of 'friendship and solidarity to the world'
The pope is a known lover of sports and has spoken about soccer previously
This is his first Super Bowl message

By Anna Hopkins For Dailymail.com and Associated Press

Published: 11:44 EST, 5 February 2017 | Updated: 03:12 EST, 6 February 2017

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Look out, Lady Gaga. The pope is joining the Super Bowl frenzy.

Pope Francis has recorded a video message that will be shown during Sunday's Super Bowl game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots.

A Vatican spokesman says the message is expected to be played on the screen at NRG Stadium in Houston either before the game or during the first quarter.

Pope Francis has recorded a video message that will be shown during Sunday's Super Bowl game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New England Patriots

A Vatican spokesman says the message is expected to be played on the screen at NRG Stadium in Houston either before the game or during the first quarter

In the message, spoken originally in Spanish, the pope says he hopes the Super Bowl will be 'a sign of peace, friendship and solidarity for the world'

In the message, spoken originally in Spanish, the pope says he hopes the Super Bowl will be 'a sign of peace, friendship and solidarity for the world.'

Francis is an avid sports fan who often speaks of how sports can bring about social change.

He has previously taken to Twitter for the Olympics and soccer's World Cup, though this is his first Super Bowl message.

Pope Francis waves from his studio window overlooking St. Peter's Square during his Angelus prayer, at the Vatican, Sunday, February 5, 2017

He said: 'Sporting events like today's Super Bowl are highly symbolic, showing that it is possible to build a culture of encounter and world of peace.

By participating in sport, we are able to go beyond our own self interest - and in a healthy way, we learn to sacrifice, to grow in fidelity, and to respect the rules.

May this year's Super Bowl be a sign of peace, friendship and solidarity to the world.

Thank you!'