Summary
In a letter titled “Life in Abundance,” Pope Leo XIV, during the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina Winter Games and Paralympic Games on February 6th and March 6th, emphasized the importance of sport. The Pope praised sport for fostering human fraternity and helping individuals pursue what is good and holy. He highlighted his predecessors’ emphasis on sport’s role in promoting peace during past Olympic Games. Pope Leo recalled that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and United Nations General Assembly had proposed the Olympic Truce again, emphasizing its potential as an instrument of hope and reconciliation. The Holy Father underscored the need for tools to end abuses such as aggression, violence, and war. He encouraged nations to respect the Olympic Truce, a symbol of peace, by offering pastoral care in sports. The Pope called on the Church to be present in the realm of sport, using initiatives like Athletica Vaticana created in 2018 for grassroots competition, which often lacks resources but is rich in relationships. Pope Leo warned against exploiting sport for political or financial gain and emphasized its mission of serving personal development and the common good. He praised athletes’ dedication to their craft as an ecclesial service and called on them to practice sharing, respecting others, and enjoying journeying together.
Key Topics
Pope Leo XIV, Winter Olympics, Olympic Truce
