National Football League

Pope Francis has a message for football fans before the Super Bowl

Published Feb. 5, 2017 4:42 p.m. ET

Nick Schwartz

Super Bowl LI is a colossal worldwide event that will be watched by more than 100 million Sunday. A few hours before the game, Pope Francis delivered a short message to fans about the worldwide importance of the biggest football game of the year.

https://twitter.com/HouSuperBowl/status/828257478487965696

“Great sporting events like today’s Super Bowl are highly symbolic, showing that it is possible to build a culture of encounter and a world of peace. By participating in sport, we are able to go beyond our own self interest - and in a healthy way - we learn to sacrifice, to grow in fidelity and respect the rules.

May this year’s Super Bowl be a sign of peace, friendship and solidarity to the world.

Thank you!”