Pope Leo XIV Closes Jubilee of Sport: "No One Is Born a Champion or Saint"

Vatican City, 15 June, 2025 : Pope Leo XIV brought the Jubilee of Sport to a close on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity with a deeply moving Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, urging athletes to embrace sport as a path to personal growth, community, and spiritual encounter.

Addressing thousands of sportsmen and women from around the world, the Pope acknowledged that linking sport with the mystery of the Trinity may seem unconventional. Yet, he reminded the congregation that every noble human endeavour reflects God’s infinite beauty—and sport is no exception.

“Sport challenges us to relate to others not only externally, but more profoundly, within ourselves,” the Pope said. “Without this dimension, it risks becoming nothing more than an arena for inflated egos.”

Pope Leo drew attention to the Italian word "dai", meaning “give”, frequently heard in stadiums. This, he said, encapsulates the spirit of sport: a call to give of oneself—whether for personal growth, teammates, fans, or even one’s opponents. Quoting Pope St. John Paul II, himself a former athlete, he described sport as “the joy of life, a celebration”, highlighting its capacity to build friendships and foster openness.

The Holy Father identified three societal challenges that sport can help address: solitude, the digital age, and hyper-competitiveness.

He lamented that modern society increasingly favours the individual over the collective, creating social isolation. In contrast, sport fosters teamwork and solidarity. “It can be a powerful means of reconciliation and encounter—across peoples, communities, schools, workplaces, and families,” he noted.

Against the backdrop of an ever-expanding digital culture, Pope Leo praised sport’s grounding effect. It offers a vital connection to nature, reality, and authentic relationships—counteracting the disconnection bred by excessive screen time and virtual interaction.

Finally, he spoke to the dangers of a society obsessed with winning. Sport, he emphasised, teaches the vital skill of accepting defeat. “Champions are not perfect machines,” he said, “but real people who rise again after falling.” Recognising one’s limitations opens the door to hope and transformation.

Highlighting the spiritual legacy of athletic saints, Pope Leo recalled Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati—set to be canonised on 7 September—as a role model for young athletes and believers alike. His life testifies that “no one is born a champion, no one is born a saint”—both require perseverance and daily commitment.

Pope Leo concluded by urging athletes to reflect the love of the Triune God in all their pursuits and to entrust themselves to Mary, “who leads us towards the greatest victory of all: the prize of eternal life.”

Courtesy: Vatican News