Vatican City: The upcoming Jubilee of Sport, set for June 14–15, aims to highlight the transformative power of sport as a force for unity, endurance, and hope in today’s world. Presented at the Vatican Press Office, the event is not just about athleticism but about the human spirit, culture, and a shared mission of building fraternity.
Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça, Prefect of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, emphasized that sport, like faith, teaches resilience: “It shows us how to rise again after falling—just as faith supports us through trials.”
The two-day event will culminate on Sunday, June 15, with Pope Leo XIV celebrating Holy Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, underscoring the spiritual heart of the gathering.
Former Olympic medalist Novella Calligaris, now a journalist, reflected on the deeper meaning of defeat in sport: “To lose is a critical moment for any athlete—it’s when true character is revealed. It's where growth begins.” A pioneer in Italian swimming, Calligaris now serves as one of the public faces of the Jubilee, advocating for a richer, more holistic understanding of sport.
She added, “Behind every athlete is a story of sacrifice, struggle, and triumph. In ancient Greece, sport wasn’t just about competition—it was fused with poetry, music, and art. We need to reclaim that fuller vision.”
“Sport, even in solitude, is a communal act,” Cardinal Tolentino noted, drawing attention to its ability to resonate with the universal search for purpose and transcendence. Echoing the Pope’s recent message to Giro d’Italia cyclists—“You are role models for the world’s youth”—the Cardinal underlined that athletes today are not just competitors, but ambassadors of hope.
The Pope has repeatedly insisted that this Jubilee isn't focused on medals or records. Instead, it honors the cultural, spiritual, and educational dimensions of athletic life.
The programme begins on Saturday, June 14, with a special conference titled “The Momentum of Hope: Stories Beyond the Podium” at the Augustinianum Patristic Institute. Among the keynote guests are IOC President Thomas Bach, sprinter Letsile Tebogo, fencing champion Valentina Vezzali, Paralympian Amelio Castro Grueso, and football coach Sérgio Conceição.
A second session will explore the Church’s pastoral outreach in the realm of sport, with voices from organizations like Athletica Vaticana, Salesian Youth Sports, and the Sentieri Frassati Association. The day also includes the awarding of the international photo competition, “Sport in Motion,” encouraging young people to reflect on sport as a cultural experience.
In the afternoon, participants will walk together through the Holy Door in a symbolic Pilgrimage of Unity, affirming the Jubilee’s theme of shared dignity.
Later that evening, the beloved film “Chariots of Fire” will be screened, illustrating the enduring link between faith and athletic passion.
“This Jubilee isn’t about victory on the field,” said Giampaolo Mattei, President of Athletica Vaticana. “It’s about living the joy of sport together—amateurs, professionals, coaches, and fans—as one team, with equal dignity, regardless of medals or rankings.”
He recalled Pope Leo XIV’s recent meeting with Napoli’s football team, where the Pope praised sport’s educational potential and the value of teamwork—a message echoed throughout the Jubilee.
During the Sunday Eucharistic celebration, a special symbol—the “Cross of Athletes”—will be handed over by representatives of the French Bishops’ Conference to Athletica Vaticana. The cross, which has accompanied the Olympics in London (2012) and Rio (2016) and was blessed by Pope Francis, will now be placed in the Chapel of Athletes at the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene in Rome.
As part of an ongoing tradition, Athletica Vaticana will pass this cross on to dioceses hosting future Summer and Winter Games, much like the pilgrimage of the World Youth Day Cross.
In every aspect, the Jubilee of Sport reminds the world that beyond records and titles, sport is a sacred journey—a celebration of the body, heart, mind, and soul in harmony.