Godwin ObajePope Francis’ Private Message to Brendan Rodgers and Celtic FC
In a heartwarming and humbling experience, Brendan Rodgers and his Celtic FC team had a private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican. The meeting, which was a lifetime ambition for Rodgers, was a unique opportunity for the team to connect with the spiritual leader.
During the meeting, Pope Francis shared his thoughts on the importance of spirit and joy in the game, telling the team that “winning or losing doesn’t matter.” Rodgers jokingly remarked that this sentiment might not be well-received in Glasgow, but appreciated the Pope’s message.
“I’m not sure that transcends to Glasgow,” Rodgers said with a smile, “but the spirit of what he was saying was very true. It’s what you say to players, have that spirit. To be No. 1, think that you are No. 2 so that you are always pushing.”
The Pope’s words resonated with Rodgers, who recognized the value of humility and hard work in achieving success. “His words were very good,” Rodgers said. “The words ring true for life, not just football. All of us who were there and got to understand the meaning of what he was saying, you can only learn from it.”
The private audience was a special moment for the Celtic FC team, and a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship and fair play. As Rodgers noted, the Pope’s message was not just about football, but about life itself.
The meeting was also a testament to the Pope’s interest in connecting with people from all walks of life, including athletes and sports teams. As a spiritual leader, Pope Francis has been known for his humility and kindness, and his message to the Celtic FC team was a reflection of his values.
In conclusion, the private audience between Pope Francis and Celtic FC was a unique and inspiring experience for the team. The Pope’s message about the importance of spirit and joy in the game was a valuable reminder of the true values of sportsmanship.
Godwin Obaje
