Exploring the Spiritual Dimension of Sports at International Conference in Rome
Get ready for an exciting international conference titled “Putting our lives on the line” happening in Rome from May 16-18, organized by the Vatican and the French Embassy to the Holy See in anticipation of the Paris Olympic Games.
By Lisa Zengarini
In the lead-up to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, the French Embassy to the Holy See and the Vatican Dicastery for Culture are coming together to host an enlightening international conference on Sports and Spirituality from May 16-18.
Titled “Putting our lives on the line” (“Mettere la vita in gioco” in Italian), this event is set to bring together around 200 participants, including professional, paralympic, and amateur athletes, representatives from international sports bodies, sports club managers, university students studying various disciplines, and pastoral care agents for sports. Together, they will delve into the spiritual implications of sports in today’s society, one of the most widely practiced cultural activities.
Exploring the Intersection of Sports and Spirituality
Sports has always held a deep connection to the spiritual aspect of life, a fact emphasized by Pope Francis on numerous occasions. Cardinal José Tolentino Mendonça will kick off the conference on May 16 by highlighting this connection in his opening remarks.
“Looking at the history of sports alongside the history of the Church, there have been many instances where sports have inspired and metaphorically represented the life of Christians. Christianity, in turn, has enriched sports with its humanistic viewpoint,” noted the Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education at a recent press conference, attended by Madame Florence Mangin, the Ambassador of France to the Holy See.
Unveiling the Relationship Between Church and Sports
The participants will dive deep into understanding the widespread popularity of sports today, identifying associated risks, evaluating their role in building a more fraternal, tolerant, and fair society, and discerning how God reveals Himself in the realm of sports competition. The conference aims to explore two fundamental questions: “What does sport have to say to the Church?” and “What does the Church have to say to sports?” This, in essence, encapsulates the title of the conference chosen by Cardinal Mendonça.
Themes and Discussions
The conference will unfold over three days, each with its unique focus and approach. The first day, May 16, will delve into the relationship between “Church and Sport,” featuring high-level athlete testimonies and concrete pastoral experiences that harness sports in service of the Gospel and vice versa. The following day, May 17, will center around the relationship between “Man and Sport,” with speakers from esteemed Italian and French universities exploring the pedagogical, philosophical, sociological, and theological significance of sports. Finally, on May 18, the conference will culminate in a solidarity sporting event, the fraternity relay, showcasing to civil society the social impact and relevance of sports.
