VATICAN CITY, MAY 14, 1999 (VIS) - At midday today the Pope received a delegation from the Barcelona Football Club, on the celebration of its centenary.
In his speech John Paul II encouraged the sportsmen to "continue to glorify the world of sport, bringing to it not only the cream of your physical strength ... but also and above all promoting those attitudes that flow from the most noble human virtues: Solidarity, loyalty, correct behavior and respect for others who must be considered as competitors and never as adversaries or rivals. In the same way it is necessary to foster good will, patience, perseverance, equilibrium, moderation, self-control and the spirit of sacrifice; fundamental elements of any sporting commitment and ones that guarantee the athlete success and distinction."
Speaking in Catalan, the Holy Father added: "In this centenary year my hope is that participation in the various tournaments may elevate your spirits to the highest goals. That in this effort towards spiritual and moral growth you may be accompanied always by the maternal protection of the Virgin of Mercy, patron saint of Barcelona, who has welcomed you so often in the past when you offered Her your trophies."
AC/.../BARCELONA FOOTBALL CLUBVISA 19990514 (210)
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