Pope Leo welcomed participants of the Jubilee of Sport and the international gathering on “The Momentum of Hope,” organized by the Dicastery for Culture and Education
Newsroom, June 14, 2025, Gaudium Press – In a heartfelt address at Saint Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV welcomed participants of the Jubilee of Sport and the international gathering on “The Momentum of Hope,” organized by the Dicastery for Culture and Education. The pontiff emphasized the intrinsic link between sports and the virtue of hope, encouraging athletes to embody values that foster solidarity, acceptance, and fraternity in their communities.
Speaking to a diverse audience of athletes and participants, Pope Leo highlighted how sports reflect hope through the pursuit of goals, personal improvement, and teamwork. “Sports are animated by hope, in the sense that they involve striving towards a goal, constantly trying to improve our performance and learning to work with others as a team,” he said. He urged attendees to make the world of sports a platform for promoting human and Christian values, contributing to a better world. The Pope also extended his blessings to participants of the International Motorbike Rally, encouraging them to act as “missionaries of hope” in their unique way.
Catechesis on Hope: Lessons from Saint Irenaeus
Later in the morning, Pope Leo continued his series of catecheses on the Jubilee theme of hope, focusing on the teachings of Saint Irenaeus of Lyon, a second-century bishop and theologian. Born in Asia Minor and later a missionary in Europe, Irenaeus’ ministry centered on unity through the person of Jesus Christ, who, as true God and true man, reconciled humanity. “By taking on our flesh, Jesus united us to one another, reconciling divisions and charging us to acknowledge him in all our brothers and sisters, especially the poor and those in need,” the Pope explained.
Drawing inspiration from Irenaeus, Pope Leo called for unity in communities, urging believers to replace walls with bridges and to live out the Gospel message of reconciliation and peace. “As pilgrims of hope,” he said, “may we bear living witness to the Gospel message of unity, reconciliation, and peace in Christ.”
A Call to Action for a Hopeful Future
The Pope’s message resonates in a world facing division and challenges, positioning sports and faith as unifying forces. By connecting the physical discipline of athletics with the spiritual virtue of hope, Pope Leo underscored the potential for sports to inspire positive change. His words serve as a reminder that hope, grounded in faith and action, can bridge divides and foster a culture of solidarity.
As the Jubilee of Sport and the broader Jubilee Year continue, the Pope’s call to action encourages individuals to embody hope in their daily lives, whether on the field, in the community, or through acts of charity and unity.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from The Vatican
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