SPORT AT THE SERVICE OF HUMANITY
GLOBAL CONFERENCE ON FAITH AND SPORT
THE VATICAN, October 5-7, 2016
With the blessings of His Holiness Pope Francis, the Vatican hosted Sport at the Service of Humanity, the first global conference on faith and sport on October 5 to 7, 2016.
The conference was a place where thought leaders from different religious faiths, sports, business, academia and media met to discuss how faith and sport can work together to better serve humanity.
Religious faith and sport are fundamental driving forces within global society. Both share a common purpose in the promotion of human values and both have vital roles to fulfill. The conference looked at how faith and sport can leverage their combined power and influence to promote positive values, inspire youth and make contributions for the betterment of humanity.
The United Nations and the International Olympic Committee supported the conference. The opening ceremony, in the afternoon of Wednesday October 5, 2016 at the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall, was led by His Holiness Pope Francis (his speech), after words of welcome by Cardinal Ravasi (his speech). Key statements were also given by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (his speech) and IOC President Thomas Bach (his speech).
The 3-day gathering continued in the Synod Hall, 6-7 October and was attended by invited guests, with plenary sessions and themed breakout sessions. A final declaration is being planned.
The 2016 Conference was developed under the direction of Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, President of the Pontifical Council for Culture. For more information, please contact Monsignor Melchor Sanchez de Toca Alameda, Undersecretary, Pontifical Council for Culture at sport@cultura.va