November 15, 2010. The Pope was visited by a group of Italian ski instructors who arrived at the Vatican in full snow gear. Pope Benedict told the skiers that sport is a way to “develop healthy competition as well as human and Christian values.”

John Paul II realized this same sentiment as a young man who was an avid skier and sportsman. He would spend hours climbing up a mountain to ski down again in a matter of minutes.

Pope Benedict XVI noted that while skiing one truly appreciates God's creation of mountains and allows time to reflect on his beauty. He also expressed the important role that ski instructors play in terms of educating today's youth. Along with teaching a sport, they also are at the forefront of teaching environmental issues associated with the mountains and nature.

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