Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has invited Catholics around the world to join him in praying for the values of sports during the month of June, highlighting the role that sports can play in building peace, friendship, and unity among people.
Pope's prayer intention was released through the monthly "Pray with the Pope" video, prepared by Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network. In his message, Pope Leo reflected on the positive impact of sports on individuals and communities while also acknowledging the challenges that can arise when competition loses sight of its deeper purpose.
Pope began his prayer by thanking God for the gift of sports and for all those who glorify God through physical activity. He also expressed gratitude for the friendships formed through sports and the joy that comes from playing and working together as a team.
Drawing a connection between sports and daily life, Pope Leo said that just as no team succeeds alone, human beings also need one another to grow and flourish. He noted that people learn respect, perseverance, and cooperation through shared experiences, whether on the playing field or in everyday life.
Pope emphasized that sports should always be a place where fraternity is strengthened rather than weakened. He prayed that sporting activities may remain a school of brotherhood rather than empty rivalry, a place of encounter rather than exclusion, and a path toward peace rather than violence.
In his message, Pope Leo encouraged athletes, coaches, supporters, and everyone involved in sports to see athletics as a universal language capable of bringing different cultures together. He said sports have the power to unite peoples, foster mutual respect, encourage solidarity, and contribute to personal growth.
Pope also reflected on the spiritual dimension of sports. He prayed that every sporting experience may become a lesson in life lived with Christ, teaching people the value of hard work, teamwork, humility in defeat, and gratitude in victory. He linked these values to the Christian understanding of the Resurrection, which offers hope and meaning in both success and struggle.
Concluding his prayer, Pope Leo asked the Holy Spirit to help humanity become "one team" united with Christ in building communion and fraternity throughout history. His message comes at a time when major sporting events continue to draw millions of people together across national, cultural, and religious boundaries.
The monthly prayer intentions of Pope are coordinated by the Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network, a pontifical work of the Catholic Church entrusted to the Society of Jesus. Originally founded in 1844 as the Apostleship of Prayer, the network has grown into a global spiritual movement present in more than 92 countries.
According to the organization, more than 22 million people worldwide participate in its mission of prayer and service. Through the Pope's monthly intentions, members are encouraged to focus on important challenges facing humanity and the mission of the Church.
By dedicating the month of June to the values of sports, Pope Leo XIV is inviting people everywhere to recognize athletics not only as a source of entertainment and competition, but also as a powerful tool for fostering peace, understanding, friendship, and human dignity in a divided world.