Wow Pope Francis to Motorcyclists "I encourage you to spread the values of sport: in this way you will contribute to building a more just and supportive society." FULL TEXT + Video
TO THE DELEGATION OF THE ITALIAN MOTORCYCLE FEDERATION
Wednesday, 5 September 2018
[Multimedia]
Dear friends,
I am pleased to welcome you, representing the bikers who will take part in the next Grand Prix-Octo di San Marino and the Riviera di Rimini. I greet you all with affection: managers, pilots and technicians, and I thank you for this visit. I especially greet the President of CONI, Giovanni Malagò, and I thank him for his words.
Your presence gives me the opportunity to underline the importance of sport in today's society. The Church considers sporting activity, practiced in full respect of the rules, a valid educational tool especially for the younger generations, indeed: irreplaceable. The sports phenomenon, in fact, stimulates a healthy overcoming of oneself and selfishness, trains the spirit of sacrifice and, if well practiced, arouses loyalty in interpersonal relationships, friendship, respect for the rules.
It is important that those involved in sports, at various levels, promote those human and Christian values that underlie a more just and supportive society. This is possible because the sporting event is expressed in a universal language that transcends borders, languages, races, religions and ideologies. This is seen above all when the sport is amateur, which comes from the heart. Therefore, it possesses the intrinsic capacity to unite people, fostering dialogue and welcoming.
I encourage you to spread the values of sport: in this way you will contribute to building a more just and supportive society. And I would like to stop on two words that the president said. One is "passion": when I read the news about young people's suicides - and there are many - but what happened there? At least I can say that in that life lacked "passion", someone did not know how to sow the passions to live. And then the difficulties were not taken with this passion. Contagiate with passion: this world needs passions, passion. Live with passion, and not like someone who brings life as a burden. Passion is moving forward. And the second word is: "life champion". Yes, one can become champion in a sporting success, champion of the team, what it is ... But "champion of life" is someone who lives with passion, who lives with fullness is able to live like this. "Passion" and "champion of life": two beautiful words.
With these wishes, while I assure you and your families a remembrance in prayer, I willingly invoke upon you the Blessing of the Lord. SOURCE: Vatican.va
Comments