Early in the morning, before presiding over the General Audience, Pope Francis met with players from the Celtic Football Club, a team from Glasgow, Scotland, at the Vatican.

During this meeting, the Holy Father stated that, although it is always preferable to win a game than to lose it, “this is not the most important thing.”

“What matters most is the example you set, both in winning and losing, on and off the field. An example that embodies virtues such as courage, perseverance, generosity, and respect for the dignity of others, which is a gift from God.”

He then lamented that the financial footprint in the world of this great sport “has grown a lot, to the point where there is sometimes a risk that football is only of interest for economic reasons.”

Therefore, he assured the players that they have “a great responsibility on their shoulders” and encouraged them to be “good role models, especially for the youth.”

“The high standards you are called to reach are not only related to your sporting abilities or the classic requirements needed to excel, but also to your personal integrity.”

In this sense, he emphasized that spectators “should not only see you as good footballers but also as kind people, men with big hearts, capable of being wise stewards of the many benefits you enjoy thanks to your fortunate social position.”

This article was originally published on ACI Prensa.