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.
