Vatican calls on to everyone to 'pause for peace' at the World Cup final (and insists there is no rivalry between Argentinian pope and his German predecessor!)

Argentine fans are convinced that Pope Francis is on their side and have even special papal masks - even though the Pontiff has repeatedly said that he will not be praying for his native Argentina during the tournament

The Vatican has called on spectators at Sunday's World Cup final to 'pause for peace' before the game, while continuing to play down rivalries between Pope Francis and his predecessor.

A senior Vatican official asked football fans to take a moment before the final game at the Maracana stadium to remember those affected by war and poverty.

The official also sought to play down 'amusing' rumours of rivalry between Argentine Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict, a German, saying the two had not decided how to spend Sunday night.

Benedict, the source pointed out, is not a football fan, but added: "Let's see. The current situation is unique".

The Vatican's spokesman said he did not believe Benedict, now 87 and living his retirement in seclusion in an ex-convent in the Vatican, would watch the match, because of the late hour.

Francis, on the other hand, is most definitely a football fan having been a keen supporter of San Lorenzo while archbishop of Buenos Aires.

Germany are hotly tipped to win the tournament in Brazil after demolishing the hosts 7-1 in their semi-final this week, scoring three goals in just 76 seconds and inflicting the heaviest defeat in Brazilian footballing history.