FRANCIS ON THE WORLD CUP. On the occasion of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which began in Brazil on 12 June, Pope Francis recorded a message which was broadcast by Brazilian television, in which he wished that everyone can enjoy the competition and called for a serene and peaceful atmosphere, characterized by mutual respect; in solidarity and fraternity among men and women who see themselves as members of a large family. In his message, he emphasized three essential attitudes that put peace in sport into practice: the need for integration, a clean game and respect among rivals.
Video message of Pope Francis on the occasion of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil
“Dear friends,
It is with great joy that I address you all, lovers of soccer, on the occasion of the opening of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
I hope that, in addition to the sport fest, this World Cup can become a feast of solidarity among nations. This implies, therefore, that the soccer competitions be seen in light of what they really are: a game but at the same time an opportunity for dialogue, understanding, reciprocal human enrichment.
Sport is not just a form of entertainment, but is also – and I would say above all – an instrument to communicate values that promote the welfare of the human person and help to build a more peaceful and fraternal society. If much and continued “training” is needed for a person to improve, how much more effort should be invested into achieving the encounter and peace between individuals and among “improved” nations! Much “training” is needed….
Soccer can and should be a school to build a “culture of encounter,” which allows peace and harmony among nations. And this is where a second lesson of sporting practice comes to our aid: we can learn what fair play in soccer can teach us. In order to play as a team, it is necessary to think first and foremost about the good of the group, and not ourselves.
In order to win, it is necessary to overcome individualism, egoism, all forms of racism, intolerance and the instrumentalisation of the human person. It is not only in soccer that self-centeredness becomes an obstacle to a good result for the team, because when we are self-centred in life, ignoring people around us, all of society suffers.
The last lesson from sport that is beneficial for peace is honour among competitors. The secret to victory on the field, but also in life is to know how to respect the companions on my team, but also my rival. Nobody wins alone, neither on my team, nor in life. May nobody isolate themselves and feel excluded! Pay attention! No to segregation, no to racism! And, if it is true that at the end of this World Cup, only one team will be able to raise the winning trophy, by learning the lessons that sport teaches us, everyone will emerge as winners, strengthening the ties that unite us.
Dear friends, I am thankful for the opportunity I was given to direct these words to you now – especially to her Excellency, the President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, whom I greet – and I promise you my prayers so that there is no lack of heavenly blessings over all of you. May this World Cup proceed with all serenity and peace, always with mutual respect, in solidarity and fraternity among men and women who see themselves as members of only one family. Thank you very much!”
Original: Portuguese. Translation: Sarah-Leah Pimentel, Cape Town, South Africa
