The pope addressed a group of famous soccer stars, such as Ronaldinho and Maradona, today at the Vatican. He said that sport is an example of 'humanity and helping othersâ? and he thanked them for everything that they do to promote 'friendship between the peoples of the world.â?
Tonight, they will play a friendly match in the Olympic Stadium in Rome to promote peace.
The proceeds from the game will go to Scholas Occurrentes Foundation, the victims of the earthquake in central Italy, and Unitalsi, an institution that helps sick pilgrims.
It is expected that many famous players will take to the soccer field, including Maradona, Ronaldinho, Francesco Totti, and Felipe Anderson.
POPE'S ADDRESS
'I wanted to come to greet you and thank you for the task you are about to do, because it is a true task. It is sport, but it is a task; an example of humanity, of helping others, and it is a task that will help so many.
I am certain that, today, we cannot think of education without sport. Sport is a path for education. A path for human promotion, a path for maturity, of individuals, families, and countries.
I thank you for this match of friendship, because this is a true match of friendship. I thank you truly, and I wish you all the best. Thank you, thank you for all that you do for children, boys and girls, for peace, and for friendship between the peoples of the world.
This is making peace. This is making peace. Thank you so very much.
(...)
Let this symbol germinate in every people, and help us understand that only peace is right. Only peace is right. Thank you...'
JMB/AG
Scholas Occurrentes
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