Vatican City, 2 May 2014 (VIS) –
“Football is a social entity, and requires social responsibility on
the part of players, both on and off the pitch, and by national and
local managers”, said Pope Francis this morning at the beginning of
his address to the Fiorentina and Napoli football clubs, and a
delegation from the Football Federation and the Serie A League. The
Pope shared some “joyful moments” from his youth, when he used to
visit the stadium with his family on Sundays, and commented that he
would like football and every other popular sport to rediscover a
celebratory dimension.
“Today, even football is caught up in
the world of business, advertising, television and so on”, he
continued. “But the economic aspect must not prevail in sport, as
it risks contaminating it all, at international, national and also
local levels. It is therefore necessary to react positively from
above, restoring sporting dignity to events”.
The Pontiff reminded the footballers of
the great responsibility inherent in being the focus of attention and
role models to many young people: “bear this in mind, and consider
that your behaviour is resonant, both positively and negatively.
Always be true sportsmen!”. In conclusion, the Pope emphasised that
sport has great educative value, for the growth of the person:
personal growth, in the harmony of body and spirit, and social
growth, in terms of solidarity, loyalty and respect. May football
always enable the development of this potential!”.
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