Pope Benedict this week met with participants in the world swimming championships being held in Rome. Interesting that they were invited to the pope's summer residence in Castel Gandolfo. Wonder if the pope was watching the meet?
He told the swimmers, currently the best in the world, to be models of values and behavior for young people around the world. "Be champions in sports and in life!" the pope told about 100 athletes and trainers Aug. 1. The pontiff posed for photos and donned the official cap of the swimming championships.
Reportedly he then accepted a German athletic jersey from German swimmer Paul Biedermann, who defeated American Michael Phelps in the 200-meter freestyle event, setting a new world record.
I wonder if the pontiff was aware of the controversy over the swim suits that marred this years competition and, by most accounts, allowed Biedermann to defeat Phelps in the 200-metter freestyle.
Advise to B16: Don't swim into the middle of that one.
