Pope Leo welcomed Italian athletes from the Special Olympics to the Vatican following their participation in the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin. During the audience, the Holy Father shared his personal appreciation for athletic competition, noting, “I too am very fond of sport,” while highlighting its educational capacity to teach noble and authentic values.
Addressing the delegation of athletes, coaches, and organizers, the Pope emphasized that engaging in sports requires serious commitment and hard work, and also the Holy Father explained that athletic participation calls individuals to share the rewards of their perseverance through loyalty, trust, openness, team spirit, and courage. Pope Leo commended the athletes for serving as a vital example in today’s world, demonstrating that sharing and love offer a direct path to happiness and peace.
Describing athletics as a “universal language,” Pope Leo noted its unique ability to transcend cultural, social, religious, and physical boundaries to bring people together. The Pope thanked the participants for bringing genuine joy to the Vatican and for embodying a positive message of inclusion and unity.
Concluding the meeting, the Holy Father invoked the intercession of the Virgin Mary and Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati—a young athletic figure known for translating his love of sports into a life of faith and service.