Pope Benedict will watch the most important matches of next year's World Cup and believes Germany has a strong side, World Cup chief Franz Beckenbauer said after meeting the Pontiff on Wednesday. Beckenbauer, popularly known as the Kaiser, handed the Pope a 2006 World Cup pennant at the brief audience.

"He was very interested (in the World Cup)," Beckenbauer was quoted as saying by Italy's ANSA news agency after the meeting. The Pontiff asked for "information about the organisation of the event and even about the stadiums where the teams will play." Both the Pope and Beckenbauer come from Bavaria, home to one of Germany's most famous teams, Bayern Munich. "I don't know if he's a Bayern fan, but it's possible," Beckenbauer said. "To speak about soccer with a Pope has been the most important moment of my life."

Germany is hosting the 2006 World Cup and pressure is growing for a fourth title after success in 1954, 1974 and 1990. However, the team has won just two of their last five matches since finishing a strong third in the Confederations Cup in June behind Brazil and Argentina. ANSA quoted Beckenbauer as saying that Benedict told him "Germany is strong." The Pope is known for his love of music and cats as well as theology, and has not shown much interest in soccer in the past.

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