Prodi Clear Where Soccer Loyalties Lie; Pope Divided

Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi intends to cheer on Italy against Germany in their their semi-final on Tuesday. "I will follow the match between Italy and Germany. It will be a tough match and therefore I must back the Italian team," Prodi said, adding he had been invited to attend by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. "Sporting events are a part of bilateral relations," Prodi said.

Meanwhile, Pope Benedict XVI is less sure who to support. The Pontiff will have divided loyalties when Germany play Italy. Benedict, who has lived in Italy for 40 years but was born in Bavaria, will apparently support one team in each half.