Intro:

Pope Francis looks ahead to the Interreligous Match of Peace, which aims to promote a diplomatic solution to the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Ghana central midfielder Sulley Muntari and Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon also preview the game. Football legend Diego Maradona was among those to meet the pontiff at the Vatican.

Script:

SOUNDBITE: (Italian) Pope Francis:

"People, especially the young, hold you in very high esteem, especially for your outstanding athletic qualities. Yet it is important to provide a good example for the others, both on and off the football pitch."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Sulley Muntari, Ghanaian football player:

"We want peace in the world. We want to wake up without seeing any news that people are suffering with their lives and kids are having problems. So it is always amazing to have unity for peace."

SOUNDBITE: (Italian) Gianluigi Buffon, Italian national football team captain:

"The message of peace we want to promote by playing this match contrasts with Mohamed Aboutrika's decision not to participate but it's important we stick together."