Pope Francis sent a greeting to the players and fans who are following the World Cup in Qatar after the General Audience, Wednesday.
“I send to the players, fans and spectators who follow, from the different continents, the Soccer World Championship that is taking place in Qatar”.
The Holy Father asked that “this important event be an occasion for meeting and harmony among nations, promoting brotherhood and peace among peoples.”
It should be noted that Catholics visiting Qatar for the 2022 World Cup may face some restrictions as Qatar is a Muslim-majority nation, and certain behaviors may be considered offensive to Islam.
Qatar’s Penal Code imposes a series of punishments on those who in any way offend their religious sentiments.
According to the law of this country, a person who “insults the Supreme Being in letter and spirit, in writing, drawing, gesturing or in any other way” will face a penalty of up to 7 years in prison.
A similar penalty would be faced by anyone who, according to the Qatari authorities, “offends, misinterprets or violates the Holy Qur’an” or “offends the Islamic religion or any of its rites.”