The Pope welcomed the Real Barcelona Tennis Club during its 125 years

This Monday, Pope Francis welcomed in the audience a representation of the Royal Tennis Club of Barcelonawhich this year celebrates the 125th anniversary of its founding as a sports club, an occasion it took to congratulate Italy on Jannick Sinner’s victory this Sunday at the Australian Open.

“Now we have to congratulate the Italians because they won yesterday in Australia, so we congratulate them too“said the bishop in his interview with members of the historic Catalan club, when he reflected on tennis as a sport “for the growth of every person,” the Vatican reported.

According to Francisco, Tennis presents “an interesting aspect for reflection” because it is not a “battle” between opponents, but a “dialogue” that implies “effort” and allows for improvement.

“Not in tennis or in life we ​​can always win, but it will be an enriching battle,” he explained.

Francis taught that, “both in the field of play and in the field of existence”, sometimes it is possible to “feel alone”and at other times “supported” by “who play with us in this game of life.”

“Even if we play as ‘individuals’, we are always in the presence of the Lord who teaches us what it means to respect, understand and the need for constant communication with each other,” he said.

The Pope recognized the work of the Barcelona Tennis Club, which “created international tennis figures”, which was “a challenge”and reminded them of the importance of the “comprehensive growth” of the children who come to the club.

“Take care of children, those who can benefit from the values ​​of sport in complex social environments and also those who can succeed in high competition,” he said.