AUDIENCE WITH THE LAZIO SPORTS CLUB ON ITS CENTENARY

VATICAN CITY, OCT 27, 2000 (VIS) - This morning in the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father received 7,000 members of Italy's Lazio Sports Club, which is celebrating the centenary of its foundation.

The Pope expressed the hope that this anniversary "in inducing you to rediscover the ideals of the past, will constitute a suitable occasion to give emphasis also to the ethical-religious dimension, indispensable for a full maturing of the human being."

Referring to episodes that "debase the true meaning of competition," John Paul II said: "In particular, passionate support for one's own team must never reach the level of causing offense to persons or damaging collective goods. All sporting competition must maintain the character of healthy entertainment; values which are expressed by the Olympic colors of your flag - white and sky-blue."

"During its 100 years of life," he concluded, "the Lazio club has offered countless young people and adults the possibility of measuring themselves against the demanding challenges of sport. ... Yet, it is also right to recall the concrete commitment that your association has put into the vast fields of solidarity and voluntary activities. On this subject, special mention must be made of the work done by your members on the occasion of the recent and unforgettable World Youth Day, and the concrete assistance offered during the Jubilee of Families."

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