Abstract - Sport in the Teachings of Pope Francis Problems, Research Perspectives and Discourses
Background. The connections between religion and sport can be seen both in the everyday lives of individual sportspeople and fans and in the sphere of symbols and rituals. The debate in Poland, in contrast to international debate, is dominated by a Christian approach, which stems from Poland’s sociocultural background.
Problem and aim. This article is part of the implicit discourse in sports science about the relationship between religion and sport and focuses on Pope Francis’ teachings, which have recently become a subject of research.
Methods. The article is based on a review of subject literature, secondary research and other source materials, with particular focus on a book by Zbigniew Dziubinski entitled Sport in the Service of the Person and Community from the Perspective of Pope Francis.
Results. Pope Francis defines sport through an attributive approach based on the typical features of sport. Self-denial is an aspect of asceticism, which is characteristic of Christianity and other religious and spiritual traditions. However, the point of self-denial is not the abandonment of health, but rather, a harmonious development in which the spirit predominates over the body. Modern interpretations of biblical teachings are fundamentally consistent with the current paradigm in sports science in that they support respect for the human body and health. Pope Francis refers in his teachings to every ‘dark side’ of sport proposed as part of methodological dysfunctionalism. This article confronts different pathologies and dysfunctions with universal categories, such as equality, solidarity, respect and fair play, which make up the Christian outlook on sport.
Conclusions. Spiritual and sport values create a harmonious combination. The early C20th marks the beginning of the most fruit-ful period of cooperation between the Catholic Church and sport in history. Pope Francis is well aware that sport is a very diverse and multidimensional construct. Even so, his view on sport is unilaterally positive. He also believes that its potential should be used properly, i.e. for the benefit of the individual and society.