Bayern look for divine assistance

Bayern Munich are willing to offer Pope Benedict XVI an honourary membership, club president Uli Hoeness has confirmed.

The Holy Father, Joseph Ratzinger, was born in Marktl, a town 110 kilometres from Munich.

Hoeness would be glad to welcome the native Bavarian into Bayern’s 174,000-strong legion of members.

“If he gives us the word, we will go to him and bring him an honourary membership,” the 60-year-old confirmed to Sport1.

Benedict would not be the first Pope to be given honourary membership of a German football club.

His predecessor, John-Paul II, was an honorary member of both Borussia Dortmund and Schalke.

Benedict XVI, 84, began his Papacy in April 2005.