Pope Francis praises bocce, calling it a sport for ‘normal people’

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CNA Staff, Dec 23, 2024 / 15:00 pm (CNA).

Pope Francis expressed his appreciation for the ball sport of bocce during an audience with representatives of the Italian Bowling Federation on Dec. 20, praising its social aspects and emphasizing that, unlike other sports dominated by billionaire stars, bocce allows “normal people” to excel.

“I admit that I am fond of the game of bowls, for two reasons: the first, because it is a ‘poor’ sport, compared to those of the ‘stars’ with billionaire contracts, who always fill the media. I think that bowling champions are people who work as clerks, or teachers, or plumbers,” the pope said.

“In short, normal people who have a passion for this game that is perhaps a little unfashionable, but so rich in humanity,” the pope explained.

The Holy Father recalled the popularity of the sport in rural villages in the past and its tendency to help foster a sense of community.

“It is a sport that I associate with a certain type of sociality, of social friendship… It used to be very widespread in villages, in the rural world. There were bowling greens everywhere, even in the parishes. It was a way of being together, of passing the time in company, a healthy and calm entertainment,” Pope Francis said.

He also applauded the organization for making the sport, which was once dominated by older men, more inclusive.  

“Society has changed, and so has the sport of bowls: Women and young people also play it; many people with disabilities practice it, and I congratulate you on all this,” he said. 

The Italian sport of bocce, in which players take turns rolling heavy balls toward a smaller target “palinno” ball, has its origins in ancient Rome by way of Greece. It is similar to other outdoor bowling games, such as boules in France, and the Provençal game of pétanque. Today, an estimated 25 million people play the sport around the world. 

Recent years have witnessed a surge in the popularity of bocce with the formation of numerous clubs around the United States. A recent article in the Los Angeles Times suggested that the pastime has supplanted pickleball as the hot sport for wealthy retirees.  

In the pope’s native Argentina, a game called “tejo” in which players throw metal discs toward a target placed on a sand-filled field is similar to the Italian bocce.