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On Monday in the Clementine Hall in the Vatican, Pope Benedict paid tribute to sporting excellence when he received in audience the delegation of the Italian Olympic Committee. The Pope expressed his understanding of the harsh discipline and preparation needed to get to Olympic level. The Holy Father also highlighted the fact that every sport both amateur and competitive, requires fairness in competition, respect for the body, and a sense of solidarity. The Pope also noted that the pressure to achieve significant results must never push sports people to take shortcuts as in the case of doping. He also said sport can also be a valuable opportunity to meet believers and non-believers, to experience joy …