Léon XIV : « Le sport éduque la personne à des valeurs nobles et authentiques »

Pope Leo XIV told a delegation from the Special Olympics that sports teach people noble and authentic values. During a meeting in the Clementine Hall at the Vatican on Saturday, September 19, 2026, the pope praised the athletes for demonstrating courage, fraternity, and sharing through their sporting commitment.

The pope noted that sports offer a way to show these values in both competitive and amateur settings. He said that practicing a sport requires serious commitment and perseverance, which athletes then share through loyalty, trust, open-mindedness, teamwork, and courage. He added that the athletes show the beauty of these qualities to competitors, spectators, and those who meet them.