Pope meets members of Celtic Football Club – Vatican News

(Vatican News) On Wednesday, November 29, Pope Francis held a brief meeting with members of Celtic Football Club and team executives before his regular public audience. Celtic Football Club lost to Lazio Football Club in the Champions League group stage on the 28th and lost the game. The Pope encouraged them in a brief impromptu speech: “Whether we win or lose, it doesn’t matter. Everyone fights for victory, but victory is not the ultimate goal, it may even be a defeat. Real victory It’s about teamwork and the process of competing together.”

Keep the sports fan spirit alive

The Pope encouraged them to maintain the spirit of sports fans, which is to make sports a sport rather than a money-making machine. “The footprint of money has expanded unchecked in this large-scale sport, sometimes even leading to risks, making the originally interesting football game just for the pursuit of financial interests.”

On the contrary, the Pope pointed out, the importance of unity and cooperation is already engraved in the DNA of Glasgow Celtic. “Celtic Football Club was founded in 1887 to alleviate poverty in the city of Glasgow. It is a true charity initiative for the benefit of the poorest among our brothers and sisters.”

Be a role model for young people

This significance cannot be lost, especially given that athletes are often in the spotlight and the impact their actions and words have on others. The Pope expected them: “You must set a good example, especially for young people. Becoming a high-level athlete is not only about your athletic ability, but also about the integrity of your personality.”

“In this regard,” the pope added, “people should see in you not only good football players, but also people who can be kind, considerate and broad-minded, able to manage well the many benefits that you have received.”

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