Pope: Sport is important for humanity, respect Olympic Truce

Vatican | February 6, 2026 : Ahead of the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympic Winter Games, Pope Leo XIV has issued a letter entitled Life in Abundance on the value of sport.

Released by the Vatican hours before the opening ceremony of the Games, the letter reflects on the role of sport in fostering fraternity, peace, and integral human development.

At the beginning of the text, the Pope notes that on the occasion of the XXV Winter Olympic Games, taking place from 6 to 22 February, and the XIV Paralympic Games, scheduled for 6 to 15 March, he wished to extend his greetings and good wishes to all those directly involved, while also offering a reflection addressed to everyone.

Sport and human fraternity

In the letter, Pope Leo praises sport and highlights its capacity to promote human fraternity and to help individuals pursue what is good and holy.

Recalling previous Olympic Games, the Pope notes that his predecessors frequently emphasized the important role sport can play for the good of humanity, particularly in promoting peace.

In this context, he reiterates his appreciation for the renewed proposal of the Olympic Truce in recent years by the International Olympic Committee and the United Nations General Assembly.

Sport as an instrument of peace

“In a world thirsting for peace,” Pope Leo writes, “we need tools that can put an ‘end to the abuse of power, displays of force and indifference to the rule of law.’”

Decrying what he describes as a culture of death, the Pope insists that “aggression, violence and war are always a defeat for humanity.”

Referring to the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games, he adds:

“On the occasion of the upcoming Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, I wholeheartedly encourage all nations to rediscover and respect this instrument of hope that is the Olympic Truce, a symbol and promise of a reconciled world.”

The Church’s pastoral presence in sport

Reflecting further on the world of sport, Pope Leo also reminds the Church of her call to be pastorally present in this realm, offering accompaniment, discernment, and hope.

In this regard, he cites Athletica Vaticana, established in 2018 as the official team of the Holy See under the guidance of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, as an initiative that bears witness to “how sport can also be experienced as an ecclesial service.”

“In this way,” the Pope writes, “sport can truly become a school of life, where all can learn that abundance does not come from victory at any cost, but from sharing, from respecting others, and from the joy of walking together.”

Sport at the service of the common good

Pope Leo further observes that:

“The Church is called to be close to the world of sport when it is played professionally, as elite competition, or as an opportunity for success or media exposure, but also through particular concern for grassroots sport, which often lacks resources but is rich in relationships.”

Throughout the letter, the Pope invites the Church to be concretely present in the sporting world, offering accompaniment, discernment, and hope. He also calls “for liberating sport from reductive mentalities that would transform it into mere spectacle or product.”

Warning against the exploitation of sport for political or financial gain, Pope Leo urges that it remain faithful to its mission of serving personal development and the common good.

By Vatican News Reporter