Sa
Sainteté Paul
VI
21
Mars1973
Aux sportifs
«Manchester United»
We are pleased to welcome
the members of the Manchester United football team, led by Sir Matt Busby, whose
name is so well known in the world of sport.
We hope that your visit to
Rome will be a pleasant one. Rome is a city full of history and memories, a city
which through the course of the centuries has played an important part in the
story of God’s dealing with his creatures and of man’s search for happiness
and salvation. During your stay, we trust that you may have some experience of
the special atmosphere of the city, and that you will take away with you
memories that will remain for many years to come.
You have come to Rome in
the cause of sport. Through your skill you give pleasure to vast numbers of
people, and in particular to the young. As you are well aware, your names and
the name of your team are familiar in millions of homes, schools, colleges and
wherever football is played, not only in your own country but in many parts of
the world. We need hardly remind you of the great responsibilities that follow
from this. Your activities are followed, in every detail, by so many individuals,
who admire your abilities and who look up to you.
What we would say to you
therefore is this: never cease to be conscious of the influence for good that
you can exercise. Always seek to live up to the finest ideals, both of sport and
of right living. Always strive to give an example of manliness, honesty and
courtesy, both on the field of sport and in your daily lives. Be worthy of
imitation by those whose eyes are constantly upon you.
We say to you once more:
welcome to Rome. We thank you for wishing to visit us today. Upon you all and
upon your dear ones we invoke the blessings of God.