As the world prepares for the upcoming Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Milan–Cortina, Pope Leo has emphasized the spiritual and human significance of sport, calling it a powerful force for unity, peace, and fraternity among peoples.
In a telegram sent Thursday evening to the Archbishop of Milan and signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Pope reflected on the arrival of the Athletes’ Cross at the Church of San Babila, where it will remain throughout the duration of the Games, according to Vatican News.
The Holy Father expressed his spiritual closeness to all those participating in the liturgical celebration welcoming the cross, highlighting sport’s role beyond competition. He voiced his hope that the event might “awaken feelings of friendship and fraternity, strengthening awareness of the value of sport at the service of the integral development of the human person,” according to Vatican News.
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Pope Leo also underlined the broader cultural and moral impact of international athletic events, praying that “healthy competition” during the Olympics would “help build bridges between cultures and peoples, promoting welcome, solidarity, and peace,” according to the Vatican News report.
The welcoming Mass at San Babila is set to be concelebrated by Church leaders involved in cultural, educational, and pastoral outreach related to sport, underscoring the Church’s continued engagement with athletics as a means of fostering human dignity and global communion.
As athletes and spectators from around the world gather for the Games from February 6 to 22, the Pope’s message serves as a reminder that sport, when rooted in respect and fraternity, can become a visible sign of hope in a divided world, according to Vatican News.
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