Pope Francis condemns “episodes of intolerance and racism” in sport

«Although in recent years we have unfortunately witnessed episodes of intolerance that must be condemned, I am sure that there are many other examples in which sport has been able to ‘bring people together’, without race, class social or religious faith are obstacles or barriers,” he wrote in the message.

Thus, he has urged to promote a climate of “authentic and welcoming humanity” to counteract episodes of intolerance. And he has urged us to reject any logic of exclusion and violence. “A journalistic article, even a sports article, can do a lot of good, but it can also damage or foster a climate of mistrust: but please don’t be like that!” he exclaimed.

The Pope has recognized that he is a fan of San Lorenzo and has highlighted the work of a priest of Italian origin, Lorenzo Massa, who opened the doors of the parish to many young people who were looking for a safe space. For this reason, he has called for creating “spaces for the practice of sport, especially in the poorest and most isolated contexts.”

“It is known that in the field we are only adversaries, never enemies”

Francisco also recalled that when he was a child he played “football with a ball made of rags.” “How beautiful it is to experience the sense of brotherhood: you play, and you play together, and you know that on the field we are only adversaries, never enemies,” he stressed. For the Pope, sport is one of the factors that makes us feel “one people” and he has invited us to “walk together” and feel “part of a single family and a family of nations during the Olympics or the world or continental championships.” .

Francisco has also mentioned in his letter the Olympic and Paralympic Games where “incredible athletes were happy with their performances.” Thus, he highlighted that life has given some of them “the gold medal, for how they knew how to overcome, thanks to their inner strength and the help of everyone, the challenges of their disability.”