Amid COVID pandemic: Pope Francis spotlights values of sports

CEBU, Philippines — Pope Francis highlighted the values of sports that are essential and applicable in this most difficult time mankind has ever faced since the Second World War.

In his concluding message during his Palm Sunday liturgy at St. Peter’s Basilica aired worlwide over catholic television channel ETWN, Pope Francis made special mention of the April 6 date as the International Day of Sports for Peace and Development as declared by the United Nations.

The pope then enumerated some values in sports that are of big help at this time of great crisis wherein the human race is locked in a frantic battle against the deadly coronavirus.

“In this period, many sporting events have been suspended,” said Pope Francis. “But the best fruits of sports are coming out - resistance, team spirit, fraternity and giving the best of oneself. So let’s launch sports for peace and development once again.” EBV