Pope Leo XIV: Sport, a path to peace and reconciliation in society

Pope Leo XIV highlighted the essential role of sport in promoting peace, respect and solidarity in his address to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, on the occasion of the Angelus prayer. The message was delivered at the end of the Jubilee of Sport, part of the program of the 2025 Jubilee Year of the Catholic Church. "Sport is not just a matter of physical performance. It can become a profound way of reconciliation and encounter between people - in communities, schools, workplaces and families," said the Sovereign Pontiff. The Pope stressed that sport represents a true "school of respect and fairness", in opposition to violence and repression. He called on the faithful to adopt and protect these values, warning against the tendency of contemporary society to privilege only the powerful. "In a competitive world, sport teaches people to accept defeat, to face their own fragility, their limits and imperfections. It is a lesson of humility, but also of hope,” said Pope Leo XIV.

• A pontiff close to the world of sport

Pope Leo XIV, known for his closeness to sporting values, has had numerous initiatives that reflect his passion for this field. From the beginning of his pontificate, he has granted audiences to prominent figures in sport: he received the Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner, blessed the SS Napoli football team, and during the Giro d'Italia 2025, participating cyclists received the papal blessing at the end of the competition. His speech in St. Peter's Square concluded the Jubilee of Sport, an event designed to bring together athletes, officials and believers in a celebration of the spiritual dimension of sporting activity. The event was part of the series of thematic jubilees organized by the Catholic Church in this jubilee year.

• A universal message

The Pope's message transcends confessional boundaries. In a world marked by tensions, inequalities and conflicts, sport is reaffirmed as an instrument of social cohesion and understanding between people. Pope Leo XIV concluded by urging the cultivation of the values of sport in everyday life, not only on the field, but also in everyday human relationships.