It is not easy for the Catholic Church. Again and again scandals, mass resignations, problems with young talent. Now Pope Francis has apparently noticed that there has recently been something where these young people go more often than to church. Parishes and other church institutions should be transformed into “fitness studios of Christian life”, demanded the church leader in a message of greeting to bishops from structurally weak regions of Italy who are currently meeting for a conference in Benevento.
According to a report by the Catholic News Agency, the Pope wrote that resignation and “nostalgic regret” did not bring about any progress (with the Sixpack project, one could add). “Don’t let the difficulties paralyze you” (like high studio fees and the alluring sofa). It is time to “get moving”. With these motivational quotes, Francis could write the first real fitness Bible. Finally, the name Fitness Pope would be appropriate.
Also, for God’s sake, a chain of studios should not be missing. “Christ Fit” would have a close-knit network of branches, all of which would be blessed by Catholic priests when they opened. In front of the changing rooms, which looked like confessionals, there were holy water dispensers, images of saints of fitness models hung on the walls, Gregorian chants played over the loudspeakers, and incense was poured in the studio’s own sauna. And of course the focus of all training plans would be: a healthy cross. Amen.
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