Catholic World News News Feature

Pope praises sports competition September 21, 2005

During his weekly public audience on Wednesday, September 21, Pope Benedict XVI praised athletic competition, saying that sports can be "an educational instrument and a vehicle for important human and spiritual values."

Speaking to 26,000 pilgrims in St. Peter's Square, the Holy Father acknowledged the presence of young soccer players from 16 European countries, who were in Rome for a a charitable fundraising event organized by the Pontifical Council Cor Unum. The Pope said that such sporting events should encourage "mutual respect, loyalty, and solidarity among peoples and cultures."

The Pope's catechetical address for the audience was on Psalm 131, describing the entry of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. King David, he recalled, had vowed that he would not entry his own palace until the Ark was properly located. That promise, Pope Benedict said, drew an answering promise of favor from God. This interchange, the Pope said, illustrates "the dialogue that unites divine liberty and human freedom."

The psalm goes on to prefigure the arrival of the Messiah, the Pope remarked. Thus Psalm 131 is "a celebration of God-Emmanuel who remains with his creatures, living with them and serving them, so long as they remain united with him in truth and justice."

As is his custom, the Pope offered greetings in several different languages at the conclusion of his audience. He then spent some time speaking with the bishops who were in attendance, and visiting with the handicapped people seated close to him in the Vatican square.

Pope Benedict traveled by helicopter to the Vatican, from his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, returning promptly after this week's audience. This is expected to be the last such trip for the season; after next week's audience, on September 28, he will take up residence at the Vatican once again, in the renovated papal apartment.