Viewers with the Executives of the Italian Swimming Federation and the Individuals within the International Swimming Championships – 62nd Sette Colli Trophy

This morning, on the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, acquired in viewers the leaders of the Italian Swimming Federation and the contributors within the International Swimming Championships (the 62nd Sette Colli Trophy).

The following is the greeting that the Pope addressed to these current throughout the assembly:

[ EN – ES  – IT ]

In the title of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Peace be with you!

Dear brothers and sisters, good morning and welcome!

It is with pleasure that I meet all of you, leaders of the Italian Swimming Federation, athletes, and members of the delegations taking part within the International Swimming Competition – the 62nd Sette Colli Trophy.

Sport is a medication for each physique and spirit, when it’s practiced effectively. It integrates the totally different dimensions of the human individual and directs them towards essential values resembling dedication, solidarity, and honesty. In sporting actions, particularly on the aggressive stage, human beings train their willpower, however they achieve this to the extent that they’re motivated. And right here the standard of an athlete turns into evident: it’s revealed by the standard of his or her motivations.

Sport can also be a possibility for religious development. Swimming, on this regard, has one thing particular about it. Indeed, we practise it whereas being immersed in a component – water – that surrounds us. This symbolically recollects a side that has been a part of us since our mom’s womb: to stay means studying to maneuver in concord with others and with the atmosphere round us. For us Christians, furthermore, water is a logo of Baptism and of latest life in Christ.

There is, nonetheless, another excuse why I’m glad of your presence. All of you, coming from totally different nations, have gathered right here, impressed by the identical ardour and the identical values, past each distinction of language, nationality, and tradition. This actuality, typical of worldwide sporting occasions, provides an indication of hope, an indication of the world we want; it contributes to peaceable encounters amongst peoples and to fraternity.

Therefore, I encourage you to proceed training and spreading the values of sport. The years of athletic competitors go, however these values stay! I entrust you to the intercession of Pier Giorgio Frassati – a younger sportsman who beloved the mountains dearly – and with all my coronary heart I bless all of you and your family members. Thank you!