A HOLY SPIRIT IN A HEALTHY SPORT
Jean-Paul II, with his enthusiasm and fervor, embodied the sporting spirit, and Francis also expresses this taste. However, the recent remarks by the pope on this theme—sport, Olympism—constitute a rare intervention.
At a high level, yet expressed with simplicity and clarity, this reveals a deep and visionary originality and a strikingly different approach to common aspects of the sporting phenomenon.
That the pope takes the initiative to share his viewpoint in this manner reflects the significance of sport in society in all respects, especially in its relationship to spirituality. The pope’s responses can even appear as the grounding of an informal and idealistic encyclical.
The pope emphasizes that the true Olympic conception of competition is a voluntary and altruistic philosophy of life, aimed at personal growth in the service of universal prosperity.
He even goes so far as to mention a sporty faith. He notes that defeat, through self-reflection, can be constructive, even a source of victory, beginning with victory over oneself.
Indeed, Francis highlights seven values to define and characterize sport.
Regarding these virtues and principles, it is important to note the evident and significant convergence of multiple value systems, stemming from different eras, cultures, religious confessions, institutions, or various sports disciplines.
Just as the Panathlon, judo is emblematic of this culture of values, fitting into the chivalric tradition, whether it be Western or of the Rising Sun, principles that form the famous “Moral Code,” drawing from Bushido and conceived on the French Riviera. Violence and intimidation, for example, are also considered the worst forms of cheating, diametrically opposed to fair play, and thus to sport.
Jean-Gérard GUARINO, Vice-President of the Panathlon Nice Côte d’Azur
