80,000 athletes gather in St. Peter's Square to perform for and listen to Pope Pius XII speak on the ethics of sport

In a historic gathering at St. Peter's Square, Pope Pius XII addresses 80,000 athletes on the ethics of sports and blesses them. The event marks the 10th anniversary of the Italian Sports Center, featuring calisthenics and a unique basketball game in the Vatican. The pope also blesses the cornerstone for a new stadium for the 1960 Olympic Games, highlighting the growing influence of sports in Rome.

What was the main reason for the large gathering of athletes at St. Peter's Square?

• To participate in a sports competition

• To witness a historical reenactment

• To celebrate the opening of a new sports center

• To hear Pope Pius XII speak on sports ethics

What activity did the athletes perform for the Pope during the event?

• A marathon

• A basketball game

• A soccer match

• Calisthenics

What was significant about the event held in St. Peter's Square?

• It was the first time the Pope attended a sports event

• It was the largest gathering in Vatican history

• It marked the 50th anniversary of the Vatican

• It was the first time a sports event was held there

What future event was Rome preparing for during the Pope's blessing?

• The 1958 European Championships

• The 1972 Winter Olympics

• The 1960 Olympic Games

• The 1964 World Cup

Where was the new stadium, blessed by the Pope, to be located?

• On the Appian Way

• Near the Colosseum

• In Vatican City

• Next to the Tiber River