POPE'S XI BLESSING ROOM

Manager Rodgers presents Pontiff with a signed football shirt | Pope pays tribute to Celtic as team are granted audience after their defeat in Rome

- GAVIN BERRY

CELTIC players and staff had the perfect pick-me-up after the Champions League loss to Lazio in Rome - a meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican.

The Pontiff had words of encouragement for the Hoops after their heartbreaking 2-0 loss in the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday.

Chairman Peter Lawwell, boss Brendan Rodgers and the entire playing squad as well as other staff members made the trip to St Peter's Basilica before flying back to Glasgow.

They gifted the Pope with a signed Celtic footie shirt.