An Appeal to World Leaders to be Builders of Peace and SolidarityEN FR ES IT PT
The IOC Appeal, joined by the Dicastery, is the first
fruit of the "Sport for All" Summit
One of the
first fruits of the International Summit " “Sport for All. Cohesive,
accessible and tailored to each person”, held in the Vatican on the 29 and 30th
of September last, is an Appeal for Peace, promoted by the President of the
International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, following an audience with
the Holy Father Francis in the Summit days.
The Dicastery for Culture and Education, the Dicastery
for Laity, Family, and Life, and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human
Development join the IOC's appeal, as peace is a common value that the Church
and the world of sport seek to promote for all peoples. As Pope Francis said in
the Audience with the participants of the Summit, "today we so much need a
pedagogy of peace, to foster a culture of peace, starting from daily
interpersonal relationships to arrive at those between people's and nations. If
the world of sport transmits unity and cohesion, it can become a formidable
ally in building peace."
"God wills
the peace and unity of our human family" - it is written in the appeal -
"The Olympic and Paralympic Games are a great symbol of such unity, for
they bring individuals and peoples together in healthy competition and
encourage our world to see in athletic competition a genuine path to peace, founded
on personal discipline and commitment to teamwork in the pursuit of
excellence".
The Appeal invites
to follow the path of peace, to call for peace throughout the world, and
for reconciliation between peoples where the priority is dialogue and the construction
of a better society. It asks all leaders of the world to walk the path of
peace, and all people of good will to work - each in their own environment - to
be builders of peace and solidarity.
The appeal comes after the Declaration signed at the
end of the Summit "Sport for All" by the most important International
sport organizations, as well as by intergovernmental institutions,
International federations, and non-profit organisations working for integration of people into society through
sport. Those who want to adhere to the Declaration can do so online on the
website: www.sportforall.va
FOLLOW THE PATH OF PEACE
Our world is once again confronting conflicts, turmoil
and grave challenges. The scourges of war, climate change and economic hardship
have brought unspeakable pain and suffering to millions of people across the
globe. As a consequence of a world war being fought piecemeal, over 100 million
people have had to flee their homes, families have been separated, and
countless mothers, fathers, sons and daughters are living in fear, unable to
practice their faith, pursue their dreams for a better life, or even simply to
play sport.
This human tragedy comes as the world is still reeling
from a global pandemic that reminded us how vulnerable all human beings can be.
In light of that important experience of humility, we reaffirm our
determination to build on the powerful sense of solidarity with one another
that emerged from the health crisis. We are convinced that it is only with such
a spirit of solidarity in our hearts that we can effectively face the many
challenges threatening humanity and our planet today.
In this spirit of solidarity, we urge world leaders to
seek just and peaceful solutions to all disputes and conflicts. We call on them
to foster dialogue, understanding and fraternity among peoples, and to uphold
the dignity of every man, woman and child, especially the poor, the vulnerable,
the marginalized and those suffering from the violence of war and armed
conflict.
God wills the peace and unity of our human family. The
Olympic and Paralympic Games are a great symbol of such unity, for they bring
individuals and peoples together in healthy competition and encourage our world
to see in athletic competition a genuine path to peace, founded on personal
discipline and commitment to teamwork in the pursuit of excellence.
United in this conviction, we appeal to world leaders
to follow this path, for the benefit of every nation and people.
Thomas Bach, IOC President
Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the
Dicastery for Culture and Education
Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for
the Laity, the Family and Life
Cardinal Michael Czerny, Prefect of the Dicastery for
Promoting Integral Human Development
www.sportforall.va
Nessun commento:
Posta un commento