Pope Francis received in audience, in the auletta of Paul VI Hall, right before his General Audience, the directors and footballers of the ‘Borussia Monchengladbach’ at 9 o’clock this morning, August 2, 2017.
Here is a translation of the Pope’s greeting to those present at the audience.
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The Holy Father’s Greeting
Dear Players of the Borussia Monchengladbach Team,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am very happy to receive you here in the Vatican: a warm welcome to all. Your visit also offers me the occasion to express my gratitude for the relationship of friendship created between your soccer society, in particular the team of your old glories, and the Vatican Dependents Sports Association, with several games played at Monchengladbach and at Rome in the last years.
The Fohlen-Elf is distinguished by the fact of being always a team “to the measure of man,” so to speak, and a team that favors families. It is beautiful to see how families populate your Borussia Park and how various sports and educational programs and initiatives are carried out to promote young people, particularly the disadvantaged. I invite you to continue to be committed as “athletes of the good and of peace,” of which today’s world is in so much need.
I entrust you, your families and all your dear ones to the Lord. May He accompany you always with His Blessing.
[Original text: Italian] [Working translation by Virginia M. Forrester]
