Pope Benedict XVI issued a message of good will and co-operation ahead of the kick-off of Euro 2012 on Friday.
"Team sport such as football is an important school in educating people to respect one another - as well as one's opponent - on how to make sacrifices for others and the value of the gifts of each element that makes up the team," said the Pope.
"It is in a word something that bypasses individual logic and of egotism, which often characterises human relations, and replaces it by fraternity and love, one that promotes a genuine good at all levels."
"The sense of fraternity, magnanimity, honesty and respect for the body are without doubt indispensable to every good athlete."
Source: AFP
