VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis recorded a video-message for the Super Bowl Sunday, the final of the U.S football championship played in Houston, speaking in his mother tongue of Spanish, seen by some as a supportive gesture towards thousands of Latin Americans.

 This is the first time a pope has ever made a video-message for the final of the National Football League championship, traditionally the most anticipated event of the year in the U.S. as well as being televised across the globe.

 The pontiff said, “Major sporting events like the Super Bowl are highly symbolic, showing that it is possible to build a culture of integration and a world of peace. By participating in sport we are able to go beyond our own self interest and, in a healthy way, it makes us learn the meaning of sacrifice, growing to respect and be loyal to the rules. May the Super Bowl this year be a sign of peace, friendship and solidarity for the world. Thank you!”

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