Pope Benedict XVI has condemned the use of performance-enhancing substances in sports.
The 85-year-old made his views known on doping in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace during a ceremony to mark the success of the Italian Olympic team in London in the summer.
"Pressure to win good results should never prompt you to take short-cuts as happens with doping," he said.
"Let the same team spirit be a spur to avoid these blind alleys, and also be a support to those who realise that they have made mistakes, so that they feel welcomed and helped."
Italy won 28 medals at the 2012 London Games, including eight golds.
Written by
Subhankar Mondal
Subhankar Mondal
