Pope warns Olympic leaders about commercialization

Published Nov. 23, 2013 5:17 p.m. ET

foxsports

Pope Francis is warning Olympic leaders about the dangers of the commercialization of sports and the exploitation of athletes.

Francis told several hundred members of the European Olympic Committees that when sports are ''considered only in economic terms and consequently for victory at every cost ... it risks reducing athletes to mere trading material from whom profits are extracted.''

The pope added that ''sport is harmony but if money and success prevail as the aim this harmony crumbles.''

It was the second straight day that sports was high on the pope's agenda. On Friday, he met with IOC President Thomas Bach, FIFA President Sepp Blatter and the rugby teams of Italy and Argentina.

Francis concluded Saturday by blessing ''everyone who will take part in the next Olympic Games.''