Pope Francis says " I would just like to tell you...that sport, and also football, is a path of life, of maturity, and of holiness." to Visiting Sports Team

Pope Francis meets with the president, coach and players of Italy's Sampdoria football team of Genoa.

Words the Holy Father - Pope Francis - 

Thanks for your visit!

I have not prepared any speeches. I would just like to tell you that I am happy, and to tell you that sport, and also football, is a path of life, of maturity, and of holiness. We can go on. But you can never go on alone, always as a team, always as a team, this is important.

I stress two things, this is the first: in a team, everything is done as a team. The best wins are those of the team. From us, to the soccer player who plays for himself, we say that "you eat the ball": he takes the ball for himself and does not look at others. No. Always team.

The second thing: do not lose the amateur, that is amateur sport, the sport that comes from the vocation to do so. The other interests are secondary, the important thing is that he always remains amateur.

I wish you all of this. I will pray for you, and I ask you to pray for me. And now I give all of you the blessing.

FULL TEXT Source: Vatican.va - Image Screenshot