The Vatican, in an effort to battle supposed immorality in American sports, are hoping to organize a "We Believe in Sports" international conference with NBA star Jeremy Lin and NFL player Tim Tebow as headliners, according to a report by the Christian Post.

The Pontifical Council for Culture, which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year announced the plan this week.

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Melchor Sanchez de Toca Alameda, head of the council's Culture and Sport section says he wants the conference to demonstrate the power of faith in sports.

Professional sports are too financially driven, Alameda claims. He wants sports to enrich experience and not "reduce people to merchandise."

He also condemned American cyclist Lance Armstrong, who confessed to doping yesterday, an an example of a competitor in a "rotten" cycling world where athletes are pressured by commercial interests into using illegal practices.

Bruce Wawrzyniak, co-founder and director of the Catholic Sports Association, told The Christian Post that sports are great because you learn to work within a team concept. 

"In today's day and age of childhood obesity, sports get kids off the couch and into something that promotes a healthy lifestyle," he said. "Sport also breaks down barriers, whether cultural, religious, political, or economical. The athletes -- especially in international competitions -- can unite through the game that they are playing."  

It is unknown whether or not Lin or Tebow will accept the request.