Pope joins soccer officials in calling for end to racist taunts

Published: 2006-03-02

FLORENCE, Italy (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI added his voice to an initiative to end racist taunts and banners in European soccer stadiums. Before a March 1 match in Florence between World Cup qualifiers Germany and Italy, a message from the pope was read to soccer fans in the stadium by Florence Auxiliary Bishop Claudio Maniago. The message expressed the Vatican's "appreciation for the initiatives against racial discrimination promoted to increase awareness of sport's important educational role in the service of solidarity and peace." The written message, sent by the Vatican secretary of state, Cardinal Angelo Sodano, also said the pope encouraged "the joint efforts aimed at the promotion of a civilization of love through patient dialogue and mutual respect." German and Italian soccer officials had said the March 1 exhibition match was dedicated to the fight against intolerance and racism. It came in response to a series of recent racist and anti-Semitic incidents in European soccer stadiums.

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