Pontifical Council for Culture announces sporting initiative with Council for Laity
Representatives from the Pontifical Council for Culture and the Pontifical Council
for the Laity held a press conference at the Vatican on Thursday, during which they
presented the new lines of cultural approach to sport. The new approach is aimed at
coming to an understanding of sport as a privileged place for dialogue among Church,
culture and youth. The conference also provided an opportunity to present the Pontifical
Council for Culture’s new Department dedicated to Culture and Sport, which will work
closely with the Church and Sport Section of the Pontifical Council for the Laity,
and the John Paul II Foundation for Sport. One of those who participated in the press
briefing was Fr. Kevin Lixey, who is Responsible for the Church and Sport Section
at the Council for the Laity. He told Vatican Radio recent, highly publicized scandals
in major league sports – including betting scandals in Italy – make the announcement
extremely timely. “On the one hand,” said Lixey, “we wanted to announce something
we’ve been doing for the past year and a half,” adding, “it’s a moment for the Church
to show that it is concerned.” Fr. Lixey went on to say, “[The Church] is actively
working and interested in trying to stimulate a little bit more the pastoral work
with sport,” on all levels, from youth leagues to international and professional compretition.
“There is,” said Fr. Lixey, “still a lot of good in sport.” Listen to Chris Altieri's
extended interview with Fr. Kevin Lixey of the Pontifical Council for the Laity: