‘Sport according to Pope Francis’, Ancelotti signs the preface

It has already been presented in Madrid and was released in Spain, and will be available in Italy from December “Beyond the limits. Sport according to Pope Francis” (Romana Editorial), work edited by Monsignor Dario Edoardo Viganò and by the journalist Valerio Alessandro Cassetta. The text is 176 pages in eleven chapters and contains a collection of the Holy Father’s speeches on sport, addressed in all its facets: sport as a means of educating, a tool for expressing talent and building community, sport between passion and sacrifice, between team play, respect for the rules and the opponent, sport as a vehicle for correct lifestyles, an element of union and law, accessible to all without distinction, sport as a messenger of peace during major events and competitions.

“If the importance of sport in contemporary society is undeniable, its ability to permeate the fabric of the new generations with positive messages and values ​​appears increasingly surprising. The universality of the language of sport transcends cultural and linguistic barriers and geographical, unites and does not divide, promotes fundamental principles, such as respect for the rules and the opponent, inclusion, integration and fair play, and reaches people immediately. It’s a question of form and substance. Of ways and contents. Of topics and verbal and non-verbal communication. In this context, the Pope’s voice on sporting issues, contained in the pages of this book, takes on a role of extraordinary relevance, not only for the faithful, but for all those who see sport as a means of personal and collective growth. Sport as fertile ground in which to cultivate talents and virtues, sport as a gym and metaphor for life”. These are the words of Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti in the preface of the book “More allá de loslimites. El deporte según el Papa Francisco” (Romana Editorial).

“The Pope’s speeches on sport that follow offer a unique perspective that connects the spiritual dimension to the athletic one, inviting us to reflect on the deeper meaning of sporting activity, underlining how it can become a vehicle of Christian values ​​and human virtues. In January 2021 I was struck by a statement from the Holy Father in an interview given to the newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport: “Winning and losing are two verbs that seem to oppose each other: everyone likes to win and no one likes to lose. Victory contains a thrill which is even difficult to describe, but even defeat has something wonderful. For those who are used to winning, the temptation to feel invincible is strong: victory, at times, can make you arrogant and lead you to think you have achieved defeat , promotes meditation: we ask ourselves the reason for the defeat, we examine our conscience, we analyze the work done. This is why, from certain defeats, beautiful victories arise: because, once the mistake has been identified, the thirst for redemption is ignited . I would say that those who win don’t know what they lose. It’s not just a play on words: ask the poor.”

“A high level athlete, a professional, always plays to win, it is clear. But in the path of an athlete, even defeats are preparatory stages for improvement. The various aspects of sport explored by the Pope in this work, from the importance of physical education in the training of young people, to the need to fight the scourges of doping and corruption, up to the recognition of the power of sport as an instrument of peace and dialogue between peoples, translate into an invitation to see sport not only as a competition, but as an opportunity for moral and spiritual growth, which also involves small daily actions, high-level sport, increasingly under the light of the spotlights and cameras, has a great responsibility towards the community.” continued Ancelotti.

“Athletes, coaches, managers must be able to be an example for the younger ones who often emulate their gestures on and off the field. The strength of the culture of example. By scrolling and reading these pages you will perceive the exhortation to live sport with integrity and passion, to recognize the value of discipline and sacrifice, of teamwork, and to promote a sporting culture that is inclusive and respectful of the dignity of every individual. Through the example of athletes and sportspeople, we can rediscover the importance of a life oriented to the common good, to love for others, and to the search for authentic and lasting happiness. From tournaments to the oratory to the Champions League finals, from home games to the Olympics. In an era in which sport is often associated with economic and media interests, the Pope’s vision reminds us of the pure and noble essence of sporting activity. A tribute to all those who believe in the transformative power of sport and faith, both sporting and Christian”, concluded the Real Madrid coach.