Address to the Ferrari Family

ADDRESS OF POPE JOHN PAUL II
TO THE "FERRARI FAMILY"

Monday, 17 January 2005

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

1. I am delighted to welcome each one of you, representatives of the great Ferrari "family" that has scored successes and trophies down the years. In particular, I congratulate you on winning the recent world championship.

I greet you all with affection: directors, drivers and engineers who have come to present to me a "model" of the Formula I race car. I extend a special greeting to your President, Luca di Montezemolo, and thank him for his words on your behalf. I address the skilled workers, mechanics and all who have joined us via television from Maranello. My warmest greetings to you all!

2. Dear friends of Ferrari! Your presence also affords me an opportunity to stress how important sport is in contemporary society. The Church considers sports played with full respect for the rules an effective means of education, especially for the young generations.

In addition, Ferrari, as your President has just emphasized, is a unique "community of people" among whom great understanding exists. Its remarkable results in sports and industry are due above all to the enthusiasm that stems from its community spirit. Continue, dear friends, to cultivate this approach to work and make constant growth in solidarity one of your prime goals. In this way you will spread the values of sport, and at the same time help build a more just and supportive society.

3. With these hopes, as I assure you and your families of my special remembrance in prayer, I willingly impart my Blessing to you all.