Pope Leo urges prayer for sport as a force for peace and dialogue

In June 2026 the Pope, referred to as Pope Leo, issued a monthly prayer intention urging the faithful to pray that sport become a tool for peace, respect, solidarity and personal growth. The appeal stresses that sport can serve as a universal language that brings together cultures and nations, fostering dialogue rather than rivalry.

The call is part of the global “Pray with the Pope” initiative, which operates in more than 90 countries and unites over 22 million participants. Italian Catholic groups, such as the Youth Eucharistic Movement, have echoed the Pope’s message, highlighting sport’s role as a school of fraternity and a means to build bridges in a world marked by tension and division.