CAFOD reflects on Pope Leo's World Cup message: 'we learn to walk together'

Image: Caritas Diocese of Malakal

As the World Cup enters its fourth week, CAFOD partners from across the world have reflected on the ability of sport to inspire and bring people together.

South Sudan is deeply affected by ongoing conflict between organised forces and young people. Tensions can arise from ethnic differences and historical grievances can further complicate relationships.

One of our partners from Upper Nile state explained: "We held a friendly sports day, inviting both members of the organised forces and local youth to play.

"And the outcome was inspiring - by playing sport together, the two groups had an opportunity to unite and understand one another outside the pressures of life."

Vimbainashe Chiweshe, Justice and Peace Coordinator in Zimbabwe has also experienced the transformational power of sport.

"Sport is a tool that's been tried and tested in peace building, especially for young people. We build peace through having them come to a place where they participate together, they fight for common cause, and we appreciate that we win together and we lose together."

These success echo Pope Leo's recent statement on the World Cup:

"Soccer reminds us of something we must not forget: life is not a race to show off on our own, but a path we learn to walk together. Anyone who does not know how to pass the ball, even if they have talent, has not yet understood the game. Anyone who does not know how to live with and for others has not yet understood life.

LINK

CAFOD www.cafod.org.uk