Vatican
City, 22 November 2013 (VIS) – This morning in the Sala Clementina
of the Vatican Apostolic Palace the Holy Father received in audience
the managers and athletes of the national rugby teams of Argentina
and Italy. Pope Francis described rugby as a very likeable sport,
since “it is a tough sport, with a lot of physical contact, but it
is not violent. There is great loyalty, great respect. Playing rugby
is hard, it is not a walk in the park! And this, I think, is useful
also for tempering character and willpower”.
“In
rugby”, he continued, “one runs towards a goal. This word, which
is so beautiful and so important, makes us think about life, because
all our lives lead towards a goal. This search is tiring, and
requires commitment and struggle, but the important thing is not to
run alone. To arrive at the goal we need to run together, the ball is
passed from hand to hand, and we advance together, until we reach the
goal. And then we celebrate!”
“Perhaps
this interpretation of mine is not very technical, but it is how a
bishop sees rugby! And as a bishop I hope that you will be able to
put all of this in practice, also off-pitch, in your lives”.
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