On Friday, April 26, the Pope met with members of the Italian Checkers Federation. “The game of checkers has two beautiful qualities,” he said, “it stimulates the mind and it is accessible to all.” Checkers “requires wisdom, ability and attention, but not large funds and structures. It’s one of those games that can easily create moments of meeting and entertainment anywhere: all you need is a table and a stand, as well as two players. It’s a nice way to be together.”
Inese Steinert – Vatican City
Checkers is a game for everyone and is practiced in different parts of the world. Francis noted that it is also one of the most popular forms of entertainment among migrants arriving in Italy. “Many of these brothers and sisters, who find themselves in situations of great insecurity and ignorance, find solace in playing checkers, sometimes with people who accept them, in simplicity and in a spirit of sharing,” the Pope said. He added that this game also helps to train the ability of logic and this is necessary, because the excessive use of new media, in turn, puts logic to sleep.
“Dear friends, it is beautiful to meet you, get to know you and challenge you in a sporting spirit: in a world characterized by individualism, which sometimes leads to isolation, your game helps to circulate clean air, fresh air,” the Holy Father said at the end of the meeting. He wished the checkers all the best and encouraged them to always maintain the moments of spirituality that they usually associate with the most important tournaments organized by their federation.
