Let’s call him Captain Francis

“We learn much about life by winning and striving to win, but we also learn much by losing according to the rules…”

Aside from being known as the “People’s Pope,” the visiting Vicar of Christ could very well be called Captain Francis. Here’s why:

In previous pronouncements, Pope Francis has suggested that there are three paths that young boys and girls could take both to grow up and keep out of trouble—the way of education, the way of sports, and the way of work.

The pope maintains that, if the young follow these three paths, there wouldn’t be dependencies: no drugs, no alcohol. School, sports, and jobs, the Pope explains, lead the young “forward.” He rightly adds that “It is important, boys and girls, that sports remain a game.”

The Pope then uses this game image to encourage the young to “challenge” themselves “in the quest for good in both Church and society, without fear, with courage and enthusiasm.”

“Don’t settle for a mediocre ‘tie’, give it your best, spend your life on what really matters and lasts forever.”

The Pope emphasizes the comradeship of games. We learn on teams to “accept” one another. Teams have first teams, second teams, and sometimes third and fourth teams. “I invite all managers and coaches to be, above all, accepting, capable of holding the door open to give each one, even the less fortunate, and an opportunity to express himself.” The perennial problem for coaches is how to follow this sage advice without losing.

The Pope even notes the importance of receiving a team “jersey,” as a sign of belonging to the team. The worldwide diffusion of T-shirts and jerseys of various sports from basketball and football, to soccer, baseball, and hockey, is visible everywhere. “And you, boys and girls, who experience joy when you receive your jerseys, the sign of belonging to your team, you are called to behave like true athletes, worthy of the jerseys that you wear.” I suspect the same talk could be given about Roman collars!

The Pope next touches the idea of “teamwork,” playing with a team. “No individualism! No playing for yourselves.” The Pope warned the group about the athlete who is only in it for himself, for his own glory. Francis tells of a phrase in his homeland that describes this type: “The guy wants to devour the ball all by himself.” We used to call him a “ball-hog.” “To belong to a sports club means to reject every form of selfishness and isolation; it is an opportunity to encounter and be with others….”

He notices how many missionaries found sports a valuable way to contact the youth under their charges. He also mentions that many parishes and schools have sports facilities that have been important to them.

Francis evidently was made an honorary “captain” of Italian sports clubs, but he is not shown wearing a jersey or ball cap. “I recommend that everyone get to play,” he adds, “not just the best, but everyone, with the advantages and limitations that each one has….”

The emphasis in these reflections by Pope Francis is on “going forward,” getting better, but also on letting everyone play. “Always remember these three paths: school, sports, and job opportunities. Seek this always. And I assure you that this road won’t lead to drug and alcohol dependency and other vices.” That’s Captain Francis speaking!

(With excerpts from The Catholic World Report)