News

Pope to World Cup: Overcome racism, greed in sport

By Nicole Winfield
Published June 12, 2014 7:07pm ET
Add Washington Examiner on Google
Pope to World Cup: Overcome racism, greed in sport
In this image from video, Pope Francis records a video message to camera, Thursday June 12, 2014, giving a message for the soccer World Cup: Let football be a showcase for teamwork and solidarity, not an exhibition of racism and greed, Pope Francis says "To play in a team means to think, first of all, about the goodness of the group and not about oneself." The Argentine-born, football-loving pope recorded the video message that will be broadcast on Brazilian television ahead of Thursday's opening soccer match between Brazil and Croatia. (AP Photo/CTV) TV OUT | AP

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis has a message for the World Cup: Let football be a showcase for teamwork and solidarity, not an exhibition of racism and greed.

The Argentine-born, football-loving pope recorded a video message that will be broadcast on Brazilian television ahead of Thursday’s opening match between Brazil and Croatia.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.

Tag:

Brazil Pope Francis Race Racism Religion Soccer World World Cup 2026