The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has apologized after facing criticism over a social media post that humorously referenced Pope Francis in relation to The Ashes cricket series.
The now-deleted post was widely condemned as insensitive, particularly given the Pope’s ongoing health concerns. The controversy emerged after the ECB responded to a social media post by Pope Francis on Ash Wednesday, a significant day marking the start of Lent in the Christian calendar.
The Pope’s message highlighted the symbolic importance of ashes in religious practice, stating:
“The #Ashes remind us of who we are, which does us good. It puts us in our place, smooths out the rough edges of our narcissism, brings us back to reality, and makes us more humble and open to one another. None of us is God; we are all on a journey.”
In response, the ECB commented: “Even the Pope loves the Ashes,” referencing the famous Test cricket rivalry between England and Australia.
While some found the remark to be a lighthearted pun, others criticized it as inappropriate, given the Pope’s fragile health. The Vatican had previously confirmed that the 88-year-old Pontiff had been hospitalized since February 14 due to double pneumonia and a severe lung infection. Though his condition was reportedly stable, concerns about his prognosis remained.
Amid growing backlash, the ECB promptly removed the post and issued an apology.
“This was an ill-judged post and was swiftly deleted. We apologize for any offense caused,” an ECB spokesperson stated.
Pope Francis is known for his active presence on social media, where he frequently shares messages of faith and reflection with millions of followers. However, the ECB’s attempt at humor did not resonate well with many, leading to calls for more careful communication from sports organizations.
This incident highlights the increasing scrutiny sports bodies face over their social media activity, with many urging a more thoughtful approach to public engagement.
