Archbishop Little - who was knighted Sir Frank in 1977 - hosted Pope John Paul in 1986 in what was Melbourne’s only papal visit so far.
But it was Essendon that stirred his sporting passion and he described football as the “state religion”.
Archbishop Little spent much of his childhood and early school years in Essendon and Moonee Ponds where his love of the Bombers took hold.
Essendon Managing Director, Peter Jackson, said the club was saddened by the passing of one of its most dedicated and respected supporters.
“Frank Little is part of our club’s history and is a member of a very select group as a former number 1 ticket holder,” Mr Jackson said.
“He was Essendon through and through and loved the club and we were sad to hear of his passing.”
The vigil mass will be held St Patrick’s Cathedral, East Melbourne tonight at 7:30pm.
Tomorrow at 11am a funeral mass will be held.
