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Several Spanish bishops have congratulated the country's national soccer team and highlighted the Catholic faith of their coach, Luis de la Fuente.
“I have faith,” said Luis de la Fuente Castillo, coach of the team that will play in the Euro Cup final on Sunday after having defeated France earlier this week.
“In you, children, everything speaks of life and the future. The Church, as a mother, welcomes you and accompanies you with tenderness and hope,” the pope said.
Pope Francis met Wednesday with professional soccer players from the Celtic Football Club, a team founded by an Irish Catholic religious brother.
The papal team includes Swiss Guards and migrants.
Pope Francis said on Friday that participation in sports can help people to grow in holiness, stressing the importance of teamwork.