Vatican City (AsiaNews) - "In addition to a celebration of sport, this World Cup can be transformed into a festival of solidarity between peoples." This was the hope expressed by Pope Francis in a video message broadcast on Brazilian TV "Globo Network" ahead of the opening of the World Cup 2014.
"Sport - Pope says in the message - is a tool to communicate the values that promote the good of the human person and help to build a more peaceful and fraternal society. Values such as loyalty, perseverance, friendship, sharing and solidarity". Sports, he adds, teaches three essential attitudes for peace: the need to "train hard", "fair play" and respect for one's opponents. The need to train hard to win - this sporting spirit, he says "is a metaphor for our lives."
"In life you need to fight, to 'train', to be committed to achieve important results. Sporting spirit reminds us in this way, of the sacrifices necessary to grow in character-building virtues. If a person wants to improve themselves they need to train hard and constantly, an even greater commitment is needed if we want to arrive at an encounter and peace between individuals and peoples".
'Fair play' is also important because "football can and should be a school for the formation of a culture of encounter, leading to harmony and peace between peoples." "To win you have to overcome individualism, selfishness, all forms of racism, intolerance and exploitation of the human person. Beng 'individualistic' in football is an obstacle to the success of the team, but if we are 'individualists' in life, ignoring the people around us, we damage our entire society".
"The secret
of any victory on the field, but also in life - said Pope Francis - lies in
knowing how to respect our team-mate, as well as our opponent. Nobody wins
alone, either on the field or in life! No one should
be isolated or excluded! And, if it is true that at the end of this World Cup,
only one national team will lift the cup as the winner, learning the lessons
that sports teach us, we will all be winners, strengthening the bonds that
unite us".
"May
this World Cup - the wish of the Pope - take place in an atmosphere of serenity
and tranquility, mutual respect, solidarity and fraternity among men and women
who identify themselves as members of the one family "