IOC: A Pope known for his love of sport welcomed the IOC President and other Olympic leaders from Europe to the Vatican. Following is a transcript of the address Pope Francis delivered Saturday in which he warns that sport must not lose sight of human values.

"Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I am happy to welcome you on the occasion of your Assembly. In a particular way, I greet your President and the President of the International Committee, and I thank them for their kind words. Through you, I would like to express my appreciation for all those who at the European level are committed through sports to caring for the development of persons and the building of fraternal relationships in society. 

The Church’s interest in the world of sports has grown over time, for she regards sports as a significant means of fostering the integral growth of the human person. Sporting activities help us to look beyond ourselves and our self-centered interests; sports train us in a spirit of sacrifice, and if properly focused, they build up loyalty in our interpersonal relationships, friendships and respect for rules. It is important that those involved in sport, at various levels, promote those human and religious values which are the foundation of a society built on justice and solidarity. This is possible because sport is a universal language which surpasses borders, languages, races, religions and ideologies. It has the capacity to bring people together, encouraging dialogue and acceptance. This is a very precious resource!

I wish to encourage institutions and organisations such as yours, which propose sports – especially to the younger generations – as a way of training for peace, mutual sharing and harmonious coexistence of peoples. Sports tend to unite rather than divide! The symbol and flag of the Olympic Games – five interlocking rings – represent the fraternity of characterising the Olympic Games, and indeed sporting competition in general. 

When sport is viewed solely in economic terms or as the pursuit of victory at all cost, we run the risk of reducing athletes to mere products from which to profit. Athletes themselves enter into a system that sweeps them away; they can lose the true meaning of their activity, that joy and play which attracted them as young people which drove them to make so many sacrifices to become champions. Sport is harmony, but if the immoderate pursuit of money and success takes over, this harmony can be lost.

In your work dear Olympic Committee members, you are called to promote sports as a form of education. We are, all of us, aware of the great need to form athletes inspired by uprightness, moral strength and a lively sense of responsibility.

I offer all of you cordial best wishes for your work. Upon you, your relatives and all who will take part at the next Olympic Games, and indeed upon all your other initiatives, I invoke the Lord’s blessings."

Pope Francis was presented with the Olympic Order in Gold from IOC President Thomas Bach. The award was offered to the Pope and accepted in recognition of his understanding of the good that sport can do for young people and the desire to build peace. 

Courtesy: Around The Rings and Olympic.org