A word from His Holiness
Celtic players were reminded of their responsibility as role models and the charitable history of their club by Pope Francis.
The Scottish champions were granted an audience with the leader of the Catholic church this morning before their return to the UK following last night’s Champions League defeat to Lazio in Rome.
His Holiness told players, before greeting them one-by-one: “While it is true that winning rather than losing a match is always preferred, it is not the most important aspect! More vital is the example you give when winning or losing, both on and off the field.
“An example that embodies the virtues of courage, perseverance, generosity and respect for the God-given dignity of others. Indeed, Celtic Football Club was founded in 1887 with the specific goal of alleviating poverty in the City of Glasgow. This was truly a charitable undertaking for the sake of the most needy of our brothers and sisters. Yet, how much the world of football has changed since then. In particular, the financial footprint of the ‘Beautiful Game’ has greatly increased, and at times can risk making football only attractive for reasons of monetary profit.
“The valued legacy of your Club, then, places a heavy responsibility upon your shoulders, reminding you to be good role-models, especially for young people. The standards you are called to set concern not only your abilities as sportsmen and the classic qualities required to excel, but are also about your personal integrity.
“In this regard, men and women should see in you not just fine footballers but also people of kindness, big-hearted men who know how to be wise stewards of the many benefits you receive from your privileged positions within society.
“With these brief remarks, I pray that you will continue to remember and bear witness to everything that makes sport genuinely good and noble.
“May Almighty God bless each of you and your families. I wish you a safe journey home to Scotland.”
The Pope added, with a smile: “And a final piece of advice. It has come to my attention that you have in your land a very important speciality, a special ‘milk’… A little is fine!”
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
