Editorial
World Cup offers ‘culture of encounter’
It is a global event held every four years, bringing people together from 32 countries, all walks of life, and various faith traditions, with at least one very strong connection—a passion for “fútbol” as our neighbors in Hispanic countries say, or soccer, as we Americans call it.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup taking place in Russia from June 14-July 15 will attract millions of fans—in person and through media outlets—and offer us a pageantry of colors and customs from the nations participating, as well as the opportunity to witness a passion for a sport like many of us in the U.S. have for American football, basketball, baseball and auto racing.
Faces will be painted, flags will fly and fans chanting and singing in unison will be commonplace at these soccer venues.
This festival of nations is a gathering like no other, and Pope Francis recently used this unique opportunity to greet players, organizers and soccer fans who will be following “this event that overcomes all borders.”
During remarks he made at the end of his general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on June 13, the Holy Father shared a message of evangelization that he prays many will take to heart.
“May this important sports event become an occasion for encounter, dialogue and fraternity between different cultures and religions, promoting solidarity and peace between nations,” said the Argentine pope, who is an avid soccer fan.
It is the first time the quadrennial tournament, which began in 1930, is being held in Eastern Europe. The ball used in the first match—Russia vs. Saudi Arabia—had been taken to the International Space Station by a Russian cosmonaut in March and returned to Earth on June 3. Talk about spanning the globe.
While we realize global challenges cannot be solved in such a venue, we believe the gathering offers the world—including countries like the U.S. that did not qualify to participate in the event—a chance to learn a bit more about the life and traditions of many of our brothers and sisters in Christ—in Russia, Germany, Argentina, Brazil, Senegal, Tunisia and 26 other countries.
It is another opportunity, as Pope Francis has said on more than one occasion, to “promote the culture of encounter.”
If we are truly to be followers of Christ striving for solidarity and peace, our faith teaches us to do no less.
—Mike Krokos
A hope—and prayer—for peace
Like many of you, we witnessed the endless media coverage of President Donald J. Trump’s June 12 meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore.
Various pundits immediately began weighing in, sharing the pros and cons they believe will result from the historic gathering.
We echo the words of Archbishop Alfred Xuereb, apostolic nuncio to South Korea and Mongolia, who said he prayed the first-ever summit between a sitting U.S. president and a North Korean leader begins a new era of peace.
“It marks the beginning of a still long and arduous journey, but we are hopeful because the start has been very positive, very good,” Archbishop Xuereb said.
According to Trump, Kim agreed to work to end North Korea’s nuclear program. Trump promised to end joint military exercises with South Korea.
While we applaud both leaders’ words, we hope and pray what was discussed comes to fruition. We also pray this beginning of North Korean openness to the world might lead to a greater respect for human rights there, especially religious liberty.
We repeat the words that Pope Francis said while leading prayers about the summit in St. Peter’s Square on June 10.
“May the talks,” he said, “contribute to the development of a positive path that assures a future of peace for the Korean peninsula and the whole world.”
—Mike Krokos