The Holy Father’s agenda is always full of activities dealing with serious and even grave issues. Nevertheless, when he meets with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Pope enjoys spending a few minutes discussing soccer and good humor.

According to an interview the Cardinal granted to the RAI television network, his meetings with the Pontiff often begin with a joke or with some talk of sports.

On the Pope’s birthday, Cardinal Bertone said that before speaking about “much more serious and grave matters about the Church and the world,” the Pope shared joked with him and commented about an upcoming soccer championship.

According to the Cardinal, Benedict XVI “is vivid and spontaneous like a child” and he stands out most for “his greatness and simplicity.”

“Those who meet him for only a moment during the audiences take note of his penetrating eyes, his ability to listen, to always say the right thing, as if he were a life-long friend,” the Cardinal said.