Former two division world champion Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez (49-1-2, 34 KOs) had an audience with Pope Francis during his recent visit to the Vatican and gave him a pair of signed gloves where he also made clear the affection of the Mexican people for the highest representation of the Catholic Church. Photos by  Ecclesia Magazine/Team Canelo.

According to the Ecclesia Magazine , the Mexican idol was excited by his encounter with the Pope during his extensive vacations in which he has been able to visit Italy, Ireland and Spain. The photo of the Pope receiving the white gloves of the Mexican has begun to circulate around the social networks.

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"For me it's an honor to have been able to give the Pope something of myself. And obviously to be able to receive the blessing of the Pope, for me, is an unforgettable experience, and I feel very happy and grateful," Canelo was quoted by Ecclesia Magazine.

Once his vacation is over, it is expected that Saul and his team, led by Eddy and Chepo Reynoso, will meet with Golden Boy Promotions to continue negotiations for his next ring return, which is expected to take place on May 5th.

The frontrunner to face Canelo is WBC, WBA, IBF, IBO middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin (37-0-1, 33 KOs).

Canelo and Golovkin collided back in September, during Mexican Independence Day weekend, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The fight ended in a controversial twelve round split draw. Their rematch is one of the biggest and most lucrative fights in the sport.