Pope Francis’ Historic Super Bowl Greeting

by Evangelization, Pope Francis

Pope Francis surprised American Football fans (and – perhaps – commercial junkies?) from across the globe when, in an historic first for a Roman Pontiff, he addressed Super Bowl viewers on Sunday, February 5th.

Reiterating his favorite themes of solidarity, the Holy Father called on fans and participants in sport to “build a culture of encounter and peace,” noting that iconic events like the Super Bowl are a special opportunity for people to draw together.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FHXb–O-XI

A translated transcript from the Pope’s message, delivered in his native Spanish:

Great sporting events like today’s Super Bowl are highly symbolic, showing that it is possible to build a culture of encounter and a world of peace.

By participating in sport, we are able to go beyond our own self-interest – and in a healthy way, we  learn to sacrifice, to grow in fidelity and respect the rules.

May this year’s Super Bowl be a sign of peace, friendship and solidarity to the world.

Thank you.

Are you watching the Super Bowl? Do you agree with the Pope about sports as a channel for peace? How do we Catholics continue to be salt and light, according to today’s Gospel (Mt 5:13-16), in a culture of popular fixation on celebrity, professional sports and entertainment?

Keep Searching, Keep Learning

Our Newest Articles:

What Is The Altar Of Repose?

What Is The Altar Of Repose?

One day each year – and one day only – there is no Catholic Mass celebrated throughout the world. One day.  The Easter Triduum begins with Holy Thursday Mass. What many Catholics don’t realize is that Good Friday service not a Mass, but a liturgy, as no hosts are...

A Heart For The Poor

A Heart For The Poor

The following is an excerpt from The Father: 30 Meditations to Draw You Into the Heart of God. One of the rules of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal is to live in an area noted for the poverty. If a neighborhood’s economic status improves too much—that is, becomes...

Search Catholic-Link

You have Successfully Subscribed!