Celtic's players and staff will reportedly meet the Pope at the Vatican next week.

Following the team's Champions League clash against Lazio on Tuesday night in Rome, it's said the meeting will take place.

The Scottish Sun claims the club has been granted a private audience with Pope Francis during their visit to the Italian capital.

The Hoops players and staff will get the chance to meet the head of the Catholic church in a one-on-one setting on Wednesday morning. Such encounters are usually only granted to heads of state and other world leaders.

Celtic usually fly home from European away ties on the night of the fixtures, however, they will now stay an additional night in Rome to visit the Vatican.

Meanwhile, Aberdeen hero Joe Lewis insists Rangers are 'easier' to play against than Celtic. 

The former Dons captain made the statement while appearing in the Sky Sports studio alongside Kris Boyd and Chris Sutton. 

The punditry trio is in position to comment on Philippe Clement's side's visit to Pittodrie this afternoon.

Last time out Boyd inferred that Aberdeen try harder against Rangers, and raise their game against his former team compared to when they face the green and white half of Glasgow.

Aberdeen have defeated Rangers in two of the last three meetings between the teams, while they haven't managed victory over Celtic since 2018.

READ MORE: Rangers 'easier' to play against than Celtic, says Joe Lewis

But Lewis, who retired in the summer aged 36, reckons Celtic are simply a better team and have been over the past few years. 

Asked if Aberdeen try harder against Rangers, Lewis said: "Absolutely not. I think you are probably comparing results against Celtic compared to Rangers. They are two completely different teams.

"Celtic in the last number of years have been a far better team, and 'easy' might not be the right word to use, but it's been much easier to play against Rangers."