An item with the national colors of Argentina is thrown at Pope Francis as he greets the crowd during his general audience in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican June 13. The pope caught three objects of clothing or flags thrown at him within a span of a few seconds. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Pope launches appeal that World Cup in Russia helps promote peace

572 0

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As 32 nations get ready to vie for the World Cup in Russia, Pope Francis greeted players, organizers and soccer fans who will be following “this event that overcomes all borders.”

“May this important sports event become an occasion for encounter, dialogue and fraternity between different cultures and religions, promoting solidarity and peace between nations,” said the Argentine pope, who is an avid soccer fan.

He made his remarks in an appeal at the end of his general audience in St. Peter’s Square June 13.

The 2018 FIFA World Cup was being held in Russia from June 14 to July 15. It is the first time the quadrennial tournament, which began in 1930, was held in Eastern Europe.

The ball being used in the first match — Russia vs. Saudi Arabia — had been taken to the International Space Station by a Russian cosmonaut in March and returned to Earth June 3.

Related Post

A Philippine army member inspects damage inside the Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel following a bomb blast in Jolo Jan. 27, 2019. The explosion, just before morning Mass, killed at least 20 people and wounded dozens of others. (CNS photo/Armed Forces of the Philippines via Reuters)

Church leaders call Philippine church attack ‘heinous and evil’ terrorism

Posted by - February 3, 2019 0
MANILA, Philippines (CNS) — Church leaders condemned bomb explosions that killed at least 20 people and injured about 100 others…
Bishop Patrick Dunn of Auckland, New Zealand, carries flowers to place at Al-Jamie Mosque to memorialize victims of the March 15 mosque attacks in Christchurch. With Bishop Dunn are Brother Brendan Ward, left, rector of Holy Cross Seminary, seminarians and clergy. (CNS photo/Michael Otto, NZ Catholic)

‘Our only hope is in God’: New Zealanders gather to pray after shooting

Posted by - March 23, 2019 0
Tears flowed during a Mass for peace at St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral in Christchurch, New Zealand, March 16, one day after…