Sports and faith have more in common than you think. On several occasions, Pope Francis has mentioned that he is a big fan of sports, especially soccer. In fact, the inter-webbing of sports and faith has become a frequent occurrence.
This is why the Vatican has organized the first global conference on 'Sport at the service of humanity,â? which will take place in Rome October 5-7. The mission is to bring together leaders from the worlds of sport and religion to carry out different initiatives.
MSGR. MELCHOR SANCHEZ DE TOCA
Assistant Secretary, Pontifical Council for Culture
'We believe that many initiatives can arise with this conference in Rome. Why not? For example, on a worldwide level, to see an increase in the number of playgrounds and sports fields next to and a part of places of worship, like many parishes in Italy have. I think it's a model that can be exported to many other religious communities.â?
All discussions of the conference will be based on six principles: compassion, love, respect, lighting, balance and joy.
MSGR. MELCHOR SANCHEZ DE TOCA
Assistant Secretary, Pontifical Council for Culture
'It's not about using faith as a kind of vitamin enhancer to improve sporting performance. To ask God for help to score a goal or to scratch a tenth of a second in the competition. In this, I believe God is an impartial spectator of all His children.â?
Among the attendees present: Pope Francis, the secretary of the UN, Ban Ki-Moon and President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach.
MSGR. MELCHOR SANCHEZ DE TOCA
Assistant Secretary, Pontifical Council for Culture
'The pope says that we need to focus on the challenge of the game in life, the same way we do with sports. In sports, everyone tries to give the best of themselves, because they want to win. In life you have to do the same, and also in the spiritual life.'
Sports move the masses and stir emotion. In addition to entertainment, they can be an inexhaustible school of values, and conferences like this one aim to prove it.
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