Holy Swimmers

Pope Benedict XVI invited several swimmers of the world championship, held in Rome, to the papal summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, according to the Earth Times.

Paul Biedermann, the 22-year-old German swimmer who won the 400-meter freestyle with record-breaking time at the world championships in Rome this week, was one of the swimmers who met with the Pope on Saturday.

Biedermann gave the pope a jersey, signed by the German swim team, and a hat.

"This was better than winning 10 gold medals…He congratulated me and told me I should continue. I feel very, very honored…I am not a strong believer, but he certainly has a presence," Biedermann said. According to the Earth Times, the pope put on the hat for a little while.

Biedermann has recently gained press coverage for beating Michael Phelps in the 200-meter freestyle on Tuesday. Phelps was invited to the event but chose not to go.

The pope requested that the swimmers work to be positive influences for young people.

According to the Associated Press, the pope said, "With your competitions you offer to the world an exciting performance of discipline and humanity, artistic beauty and tenacious will. You, dear athletes, are models for your fellow youths and your example can be decisive in positively building their future. Therefore, be champions in sports and in life!"

"I hope that you will 'swim' toward ever higher, unmatchable ideals," said the pope.