Pope says religion should promote peace, never violence Francis denounces racial discrimination in sport Rome, September 2 - Religious fundamentalism is used too often to sow terror and violence worldwide when it should instead be an instrument for peace, Pope Francis said before a celebrity soccer match for charity. Religions are called to be vehicles of peace and never of hatred, because we must always and only bring love in Gods name, the pontiff said during his audience with soccer players who took part in Monday nights Match for Peace at Romes Olympic Stadium. The pope, who also spoke in a video message before the game, used the opportunity to take a shot at fundamentalists, particularly the Islamic ISIS militants who are persecuting Christians and other religious minorities in Iraq and Syria, where ISIS is attempting to put in place a caliphate. Surrounded by soccer stars including Argentine great Diego Armando Maradona, Javier Zanetti, Roberto Baggio, Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo, Lionel Messi, Zinedine Zidane and Samuel Etoo, the pope also denounced discrimination based on race, language and religion in sports. The game ended with a 6-3 win for the Pupi team, named for Zanettis non-profit organization, against the Scholas team of the duo Maradona-Baggio. The Buenos Aires-based Pupi Foundation is a charity for poor children founded by former Inter and Argentina defender Zanetti and the Pontifical Academy for Social Science. Over 20,000 people enjoyed the game with Maradona assisting Baggio to a goal in the first half, while Mauro Icardi scored three goals and played the match as if he were competing for his Inter team. The crowds heeded the popes call for peace and tolerance, with the flags of the Vatican, Iran, Palestine, Argentina and Italy waving, one beside the other. Maradona, who helped Napoli win two Serie A titles and a UEFA Cup during his 1984-91 stint in Italy, played the entire game. Etoo did not even change and wore a jacket and tie while watching the game. He later commented on the importance of sport in bringing about great peace and understanding. Sport must be increasingly united in this world full of wars and violence, said Etoo. Sport means integration, I have had teammates from all religions and cultures and was always at ease, a friend of everybody, he said. As the pope said, we try to set the good example, give a good image also in our relationships with one another, added Damiano Tommasi, president of the Italian players union. This initiative is beautiful and helpful, added Tommasi. It is not true that soccer is just a performance. We often forget how strong an image sport gives to the world. Pope Francis calls on us to work to avoid discriminations and violence of all kind. Soccer can be very successful in achieving this. Added Buffon: The popes gesture was strong, especially at a time of violence and war in the world. Tonights game extends a hand towards peace, integration and respect for populations. It is important for all of us to do what we can to stress the importance of peace and life.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 12:15:09 +0000
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