Squad received by Pope Francis at the Vatican

The audience comes at a time when the whole country is united in solidarity and prayer for the families affected by the recent earthquake. Since the disaster took place on 24 August, the club has been determined to do everything it can to help the Central Italy Earthquake Emergency fund.

During the audience, the squad and coaching staff – led by Luciano Spalletti – donated a special jersey to Pope Francis featuring the official logo of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy. The back of the shirt bore the name 'Francesco', with the number 1 underneath – a nod to the Pope’s childhood days spent playing in goal.

The Holy Father was delighted to receive the jersey and was kind enough to sign it so that it could be put up for auction to raise funds for the earthquake emergency.

Following the earthquake, AS Roma decided to use the Festa della Famiglia – which is being organised with approval from the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization, as part of the church's Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy – to express solidarity and support for the people affected by the disaster.

All proceeds from the friendly between Roma and San Lorenzo at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday will be donated to the recovery effort.

Meanwhile, the club has organised an online auction on the Football Cares platform allowing clubs and players from all over the world to help the fundraising effort by donating special items for fans to bid on.

The friendly itself will be the culmination of a packed day at the stadium. Events will kick off at 12:00 CEST in the Foro Italico area, with a host of activities for children and their families taking place. Fans can also expect a few surprises both inside and outside the stadium, including a truly unique captain’s jersey to be worn by one Francesco Totti.

The singer Alessandro Amoroso – a great supporter of charitable initiatives – will give a special performance at half time.

The game kicks off at 18:00 CEST.

Click here to see more images from the visit.