Pope Leo XIV Praises Sport for Reconciliation, Hope at Jubilee End

Pope Leo XIV emphasized the profound societal and spiritual value of sport during the Jubilee of Sport at the Vatican, highlighting it as a means of reconciliation, respect, and hope. He connected sport to the Christian understanding of the Holy Trinity, describing God's life as a dynamic 'dance' of mutual love, and explained how sport reflects this divine beauty by fostering self-giving, collaboration, and perseverance. The pope encouraged viewing sport not merely as competition but as a vehicle for interior growth, humility, and community. He also linked sport to the virtue of hope, urging athletes and participants to be 'missionaries of hope' who build a better world through authentically human and Christian values. Historically, the Catholic Church's relationship with soccer evolved from initial wariness to full embrace, with popes like Pius XII and Leo XIV personally valuing the sport's role in faith and life. Throughout the Jubilee celebrations, which included Mass, processions, and discussions, Pope Leo XIV reinforced sport's role in fostering peace, teamwork, and openness beyond utilitarian and hedonistic approaches.