Vatican cricket team in London for ‘Light of Faith’ tour

The Vatican cricket team has kicked off its 10th “Light of Faith” tour, this year in London from 28 June to 5 July. This year’s edition will see the Vatican take on the England Over 60s, St Mary’s University, and, in a highly anticipated match at Windsor Castle, the King’s xi . Previous destinations for the “Light of Faith” tour have included Portugal, Italy, Argentina, Kenya, Malta, Spain and the UK. The aim of the trip is to promote dialogue and friendship between the Catholic Church and the host country. A post on the team’s social media speaks of “spreading the message of friendship, unity and gospel hope”. The emphasis is also on the fact that the players, who are all seminarians and priests based in Rome, are “ambassadors” for the Catholic priesthood. The Vatican (St Peter’s) Cricket Team is part of Athletica Vaticana, an umbrella organization bringing together all the Vatican’s athletes.