Pope Leo praises sport as a means of reconciliation and encounter
Pope Leo XIV leads the Jubilee of Sport at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Alessia Giuliani/IPA via ZUMA Press/dpa
Pope Leo XIV stressed the importance to society of sport in his Angelus address in the Vatican on Sunday.
Sport was more than physical achievement, but could also "become an important means of reconciliation and encounter: between peoples and within communities, schools, workplaces and families," the pope said.
Advertisement
He was speaking at the end of the Jubilee of Sport, part of the broader Jubilee Year celebrated by the Catholic Church.
Sport was a way of creating peace, as it was a school of respect and fairness, he said. He called on those present on St Peter's Square to observe this and oppose all forms of violence and repression.
In a competitive society, which seemed to champion only the strong, sports teaches people how to lose, he said, helping people to confront their fragility, limitations and imperfections. This was essential as it opened people to hope.
Leo is known to be a sports enthusiast. At one of his first private audiences he received Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner. Italian football champions SSC Naples have been welcomed to the Vatican, and the peloton of the 108th Giro d'Italia received a papal blessing on the final stage.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Report: Xhaka gives green light for Milan move
Reports linking Bayer Leverkusen star Granit Xhaka with AC Milan are intensifying. Sportmediaset now reports that the Swiss international has now given his approval for a move to Italy. Milan are hopeful that Xhaka's commitment will help persuade Leverkusen to accept the transfer. Advertisement However, Sport Bild reports that Leverkusen are currently unwilling to part ways with the experienced midfielder. Die Werkself have already lost Jonathan Tah to Bayern Munich and Jeremie Frimpong to Liverpool, while Florian Wirtz is also expected to join the Premier League side. One possible route to unlocking the deal could be a swap, with Leverkusen reportedly interested in Milan defender Malick Thiaw. Xhaka cast doubt on his future with Leverkusen earlier this month, saying: 'You never know what the future holds in football. But as of today, I'll stay. What happens tomorrow, I can't guarantee.'
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Girona fullback Miguel Gutierrez linked with Roma
Roma's search for a valid replacement of Angelino is underway. In recent weeks, the Spaniard has been put on the transfer block and subsequently entered talks with Al Hilal. As a result, Roma have shifted their focus on finding a suitable replacement. Advertisement The first name on the club's shortlist is that of Maxim De Cuyper of Club Brugge. However, La Gazzetta dello Sport writes that De Cuyper is not the only player Roma have been monitoring for the left-back position. Girona's Miguel Gutierrez, in fact, is also being linked with the Giallorossi. Coming off a season with 2 goals and 5 assists to his name, Gutierrez is currently valued at 30 million euros.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Roma in talks with Empoli for midfielder Tino Anjorin
Roma in talks with Empoli for midfielder Tino Anjorin Roma are reportedly interested in adding an attacking midfielder to their roster. The position is a pivotal one for Gian Piero Gasperini who has always liked his midfielders to be offensive-minded and aggressive in front of goal. Advertisement According to Leggo, one of the profiles that Roma are after is Empoli man Tino Anjorin. The 23-year-old is said to be a concrete objective for the Giallorossi. Roma have already approached the Tuscan side following their relegation to Serie B. The excellent relationship between the two clubs could favor negotiations for the midfielder who concluded the season with 2 goals and 3 assists in 22 appearances.
