FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently spoke to Sky Sport about Pope Francis, highlighting the Pontiff`s connection to football. Infantino announced plans for a football match scheduled for September, dedicated to children and held in the Pope`s honor. This event aims to bring together prominent football legends to commemorate the Pope`s memory and foster unity among people, a message Infantino stressed was central to the Pope`s teachings.
Recalling their last meeting a few months prior during a global summit focused on children, Infantino mentioned that the idea of organizing a match for young people featuring legends was discussed. The goal was to merge the Pope`s known passion for football with his commitment to youth unity. Infantino remarked on the Pope`s special bond with the sport and described it as a moving experience to witness world leaders gathering in remembrance of him.
Infantino further elaborated, concluding his thoughts by emphasizing the profound role of sport, and particularly football, as a “school of life.” He noted that Pope Francis himself shared this perspective, recognizing how the game teaches invaluable lessons. These include respecting rules and opponents, learning from defeat, and the resilience required to bounce back and keep striving. Infantino highlighted that the Pope acknowledged these unique educational aspects inherent in football.
He also pointed out FIFA`s global reach, comprising 211 member countries – a number exceeding that of the United Nations. Infantino noted that people from all corners of the globe connect through the shared passion for a football. He cited the World Cup as an example where even countries in conflict can meet in an atmosphere of peace and celebration. Such events, he suggested, can potentially create opportunities for leaders to interact and cultivate more significant relationships. In a world in need of peace and dialogue, Infantino believes football can offer a valuable, albeit small, contribution.