Pope Leo XIV tells Special Olympics athletes sport is a path of effort and fraternity
Receiving a Special Olympics delegation in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace, Pope Leo XIV said that sport demands hard work and that its fruits, from loyalty to courage, should be shared generously
Pope Leo XIV received a delegation from the Special Olympics in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace and offered words of encouragement to the athletes gathered there. He described sport as an activity that requires seriousness and work, and said its fruits should be shared generously: loyalty, trust, openness, team spirit and courage.
"Taking part in sport means committing yourself seriously and with hard work, and then sharing the fruits of perseverance in a loyal and open way," Leo said. He also said Special Olympics athletes show the beauty of sport in a particular way, both for those who compete in the events and those who watch them, and for those who know them and live alongside them.
The pope said the world needs people who, like these athletes, remind the world of the true values of life. "Our world needs men and women who, through their example, show that the path of sharing and love is the only one that truly leads to happiness and peace," he said.
Leo closed by entrusting the delegation to the intercession of the Virgin Mary and of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young athlete who, moved by his love for Jesus Christ, translated the values of sport into a good, generous and holy life.
Based on reporting by Juana Morales for Iglesia Noticias. This article was translated and adapted from Spanish with the help of artificial intelligence.
