In a message to the International Conference on Sport and Spirituality, Pope Francis reiterated his belief that sport must never lack an “amateur” spirit in order to preserve its true values.
From Vatican News
Pope Francis sent a message of greetings and encouragement to the participants of the International Conference on Sport and Spirituality, which will be held in Rome from May 16th to 18th.
The event is organized and promoted by the Vatican Cultural Affairs Office and the French Embassy in Rome within the framework of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Reflecting on the fact that we live in a world where sport plays an increasingly central role in society, the Pope said, “The discipline and temperance of athletes and healthy competition are often metaphors for the virtuous Christian life.” It has been evaluated as such.”
He continues to do this even now. “This metaphor is effective for all people who desire and strive to please God and be friends with God in some way.”
In fact, he quotes the Apostle Paul, who repeatedly compared the spiritual life to athletic activity, and says that sports can be practiced not only as entertainment but also as a means for personal growth and community cohesion. added.
“Sport (…) is a way of spending leisure time that arouses interests and encounters, brings people together, forms communities, energizes orderly life and promotes dreams, especially among young people,” he said. Stated.
Continuing to maintain the “amateur spirit”
The Pope recalled how important it is to maintain an “amateur” spirit in sports, a spirit characterized by purity and authenticity, regardless of the level of competition. Only in this way, he says, can the essence of sportsmanship be preserved.
“There must be an ‘amateur’ spirit in sport at all levels, because it maintains authenticity,” he says.
Embracing this ethos, he explains, requires the integration of athleticism and spiritual values to ensure not just victory, but true victory on the journey of self-discovery and growth.
Jesus: God’s True Athlete
Pope Francis also highlighted the need for pastoral attention to sport and education, as well as the fact that it is important for the Church to reflect on its sporting experience and properly evaluate it in its evangelization work. .
Recalling St. John Paul II’s homily during the 2000 Jubilee of Sports, he said, “Those involved in this service are called to conduct themselves in a way that shows Jesus as ‘a true athlete of God.'” Ta.
Furthermore, recent papal declarations put sport in a human perspective, warning against the dangers of dehumanization and corruption, and promoting sport as a privileged space for the meeting of peoples and the fraternity of peoples. He added that it enriched the church’s reflection on sports.
Responsibility towards young people
The Pope noted that the conference emphasizes the responsibility of adults, including managers, coaches, technicians and athletes, to uphold ethical standards and foster an environment conducive to the integrated development of children and young people.
“Their conscience, formed on the basis of human values, creates a healthy and formative sports environment, in particular a pedagogical attitude towards minors and the most vulnerable and prevents all forms of abuse. “It’s decisive,” he says.
Finally, he encouraged participants to value the ethical, social, cultural, political and spiritual dimensions of sportsmanship and to recognize its potential as a force for positive society. We encourage you to go beyond the boundaries of competition and reflect on “sport that transcends sports.” change.
