Pope sends out wishes for `wonderful' football World Cup
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Vatican City - Pope Francis has sent out a goodwill message for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which starts Thursday in Brazil.
"I wish everyone a wonderful World Cup, played in a spirit of true fraternity," Francis wrote on his Twitter account.
In an additional video message broadcast by Brazilian network Rede Globo, the pontiff said football could teach people all over the world the values of team spirit, fair play and respect for the opponent.
"While it is true that at the end of this World Cup only one national team will be able to lift the winners' cup, we will all be winners if we learn the lessons that sport teaches to us, strengthening the bonds that unite us."
DPA
