2024-01-13 12:29:48
His Holiness Pope Francis received, Saturday morning, in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican, members of the Athletica Vaticana Association. He hoped, in this dark historical moment that we are witnessing, that sport would be able to build bridges, break down barriers, and promote peaceful relations. This Vatican Mathematical Society was founded in 2019.
His Holiness Pope Francis addressed the members of the Athletica Vaticana Association in which he welcomed all those present and greeted Cardinal Jose Tolentino de Mendoza, Dean of the Department of Culture and Education, and expressed his joy at the Christian witness they provide in the world of sports, which today represents the most widespread cultural expression.
The Holy Father indicated that this meeting will be held in the first days of the year 2024, the year of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Recalling the value of the “Olympic Truce,” he continued his speech hoping, in this dark historical moment that we are witnessing, that sport can build bridges, break down barriers, and promote peaceful relations. He added that through a simple approach, Athletica Vaticana has been committed, for five years in particular, to promoting brotherhood, inclusion and solidarity, and bearing witness to the Christian faith among women and men athletes, amateurs and professionals. The Holy Father referred to the initiatives of this sports association, from simple and spontaneous ones to participation in international sporting events, and at the same time highlighted that in addition to sporting activity, their association also proposes moments of prayer and service for the most needy, noting the tangible closeness to the most vulnerable, and to Initiatives with young people with physical disabilities, prisoners, migrants and the poorest families.
Pope Francis continued his speech, pointing out that sports are a way to express special talents and also to build society. Sports, he added, teach us the value of brotherhood. What matters is commitment and a common goal. This unity in sport reminds us that despite our differences, we are all members of the same human family. Sport has the ability to unite people regardless of their physical, economic or social abilities. It is a way to break down barriers. Pope Francis also pointed out that sports consist of rules that must be respected. Winning with humility and accepting losing with dignity are two values that sport teaches that must be lived in daily life in order to build a more just and fraternal society. He highlighted that sport also shows us the possibility of facing our limitations with patience and determination, and added that every athlete, through discipline and commitment, teaches us that through faith and perseverance we can achieve goals that we never thought were possible. This message of hope and courage is essential, especially for young people.
At the end of his speech to the members of the Athletica Vaticana, Pope Francis encouraged everyone to see sport as a life path that helps them build a more solidaristic community, and carry the values of Christian life, honesty, sacrifice, and commitment, and said, “Always give your best!” He asked them not to forget to pray for him.
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