VATICAN CITY, JUN 25, 2004 (VIS) - Made public today was the Holy Father's Message on the occasion of the 25th World Day of Tourism which will take place on September 27 on the theme "Sports and Culture: Two vital forces for mutual understanding, culture and development among countries."
In the Message, dated May 30, Solemnity of Pentecost, the Pope says that tourism "contributes to improving relationships between persons and groups of people which, when it is cordial, respectful and unified, is like a door open to peace and coexistence. In effect, much of the violence in our age is due to misunderstanding and even the rejection of the values and identity of other cultures. For this reason, misunderstanding can often be overcome through greater reciprocal knowledge. In this context, I also think about the millions of immigrants who must become part of the society that accepts them, based above all on the appreciation and recognition of the identity of each person or group."
"Therefore, the World Day of Tourism offers the opportunity not only to affirm the positive contribution of tourism to a more just and peaceful world, but also to examine the specific conditions in which it is carried out."
"In this respect," he continues, "the Church cannot allow the focus of its vision of man and history to be lost. In effect, the supreme principle which must govern human coexistence is respect for the dignity of each person, created in the image of God, and therefore, our brother or sister. This principle must guide all economic and political activity, according to the social doctrine of the Church, and it must also inspire religious and cultural coexistence."
The Holy Father writes that sports and tourism "are closely linked during major sports events in which countries from one region or from all over the world participate, such as the Olympic Games which do not have to renounce their noble vocation to promote the ideals of peaceful coexistence, understanding and friendship."
"Since it is a human activity that everyone participates in, it is not surprising that, despite the noble nature of its objectives, there are many abuses and deviations in the tourism industry. The phenomena of exaggerated commercialism, aggressive competition, violence against persons and things, even the degradation of the environment and the offense of the cultural identity of those who welcome tourists, cannot be ignored."
"The correct practice of sport must be accompanied by practicing the virtues of temperance and sacrifice; frequently it also requires a good team spirit, respectful attitudes, the appreciation of the qualities of others, honesty in the game and humility to recognize one's own limitations. In short, sports, especially in less competitive forms, foster festive celebration and friendly coexistence. While playing sports, Christians also find help in developing the cardinal virtues - fortitude, temperance, prudence and justice."
The Pope indicates that thanks to tourism "the occasions for encounters between peoples and different cultures in a climate of understanding and harmony have multiplied. ... Without ignoring the deviations that regrettably continue to occur, I want to earnestly and hopefully urge people to promote 'sports which encourage the weakest and do not exclude anyone, which free young people from apathy and indifference, and provoke in them a healthy spirit of competition; sports which are a factor in the emancipation of the poorest countries and help to eliminate intolerance and to build up a more fraternal and united world; sports which help people to love life and help us to understand sacrifice, respect and responsibility, leading to recognizing fully the value of every person'."
MESS/WORLD DAY TOURISM/... VIS 20040625 (620)
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