Pope Leo XIV: Sport as the key to peace and human unity

Pope Leo XIV: Sport as the key to peace and human unity

On June 15, 2025, Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed his belief that sport is a powerful tool for peace and humanity. The 69-year-old pontiff described sport not only as a physical challenge, but also as a way to teach values ​​such as respect and fairness. This was a central theme of his appearance during the Angelus prayer, where he emphasized the social importance of sport. He invited those present to confront the challenges of violence and oppression and emphasized that sport builds bridges between people and overcomes loneliness, which brings hope.

In a world that is often characterized by competitive thinking, sport also teaches us how to deal with defeat. “No one is born a champion or a saint,” the Pope said. He appealed that daily training of love and respect were the true goals. Pope Leo In addition, the Giro d’Italia was given a papal blessing for the decisive stage, which underlines the church’s connection to the sport.

Sport as a tool for social change

The unifying power of sport not only runs through the Pope's speeches, but is also an important tool for social change worldwide. Development aid organizations and NGOs are increasingly using sport to promote education and promote health awareness in disadvantaged regions. For example, the children's aid organization Plan has set up a dormitory and a soccer team for girls in Tanzania. Sport has proven to be an effective means of creating hope and distraction in crisis areas.

Beginning in the 1980s, international organizations benefited from the effectiveness of sport as a tool for education and health. The United Nations has also committed to sport as a means of promoting peace and development. In 2005, an International Year of Sport and Physical Education was even proclaimed. An outstanding example is the Brazil national football team's peace match in Haiti in 2004, which helped stabilize the country.

Sport for a fairer world

In the context of social cohesion, sport also promotes gender equality and the integration of marginalized groups. Multipliers such as trainers and social workers play a crucial role here in using sport as a platform for dialogue and cooperation in conflict areas. The Swiss government has made compliance with human rights in sport a priority and is committed to promoting sport and human rights.

Another challenge for sports of the future is to assume social responsibility and maintain the integrity of the games. Sporting ambition should always be in line with the values ​​that the Pope emphasizes in his messages. Sport is more than a competition - it is a way to live humanity and promote peace.

As Pope Leo Pioneering work in sport and development will continue to be paramount in creating an inclusive society that can meet the challenges of our time.

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