Pope Francis is concerned about the future of football and has warned against increasing commercialization.
“There is a danger that football will only be interesting for economic reasons,” said the head of the Catholic Church on Wednesday as he received managers and players from Celtic Glasgow for an audience. The traditional Scottish club lost 2-0 at Lazio Rome in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.
The 86-year-old Pope also advocated rediscovering and promoting society’s values in football. “Please never lose the amateur spirit. That’s the most beautiful thing in sport, that means so much. Whether we won or not, it doesn’t matter,” he said: “Everyone fights to win, but victory is not that Goal, victory lies in playing together.”
Francis, who was born in Buenos Aires, is considered a big football fan and supporter of the San Lorenzo club. The Pope repeatedly emphasizes the values of sport and the importance of dialogue and fraternity in football.