Pope Leo XIV: May the Olympic Games Promote Welcome, Unity and Peace

Pope Leo's Message for the Olympic Games

Athletics that foster camaraderie and harmony. This vision is encapsulated in the telegram sent by Pope Leo on Thursday evening, which was signed by Cardinal Parolin, the Secretary of State, and addressed to Archbishop Mario Delpini of Milan.

Companionship and Brotherhood

The Pope expressed his spiritual solidarity with all participants in this evening's celebration at the Church of San Babila, which will be presided over by the Archbishop. During this event, the Athletes’ Cross for the Milan–Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Games, scheduled to occur from February 6 to 22, will be formally received by the city.

Pope Leo conveyed his aspiration that “this significant occasion could inspire sentiments of camaraderie and brotherhood, enhancing recognition of the importance of sport in promoting the holistic development of the individual.”

Fostering Connections Among Peoples and Cultures

In his address, the Pope expressed his intention to pray that the "healthy competition" witnessed at the Olympics may serve to "build bridges between cultures and peoples, fostering welcome, solidarity, and peace.

The Mass will be attended by several concelebrants, including Bishop Paul Tighe, who serves as the Secretary of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, and Father Michele Gianola, the Undersecretary of the Italian Bishops’ Conference (CEI) and the interim Director of the National Office for the Pastoral Care of Leisure, Tourism, and Sport.