As the 2026 Winter Olympic Games approached, Pope Leo XIV renewed the Church’s call for peace by appealing to nations in conflict to respect the ancient tradition of the Olympic truce. His message came just days before the opening of the Milano-Cortina Games, set to begin on February 6 in northern Italy, placing the global spotlight on both athletic competition and the moral responsibility of nations during a time of continued international unrest.
During his Angelus address, the Pope reflected on the deeper meaning of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, presenting them as more than international sporting events. He emphasized that the Games had long served as a sign of fraternity among peoples, offering a shared language that transcends borders, cultures, and political divisions. In a fractured world, he said, such moments carried the potential to rekindle hope and to remind humanity of its shared dignity.
Within that context, Pope Leo XIV recalled the Olympic truce, a tradition rooted in ancient Greece that dates back to 776 BC. At that time, warring city-states would suspend hostilities before and during the Games to allow athletes and spectators to travel safely. The Pope underscored that this custom was not merely symbolic, but a concrete acknowledgment that peace, even if temporary, was possible when higher goods were placed above conflict.
The Holy Father urged those entrusted with political authority, along with all who sincerely sought peace, to treat the Olympic truce as an opportunity rather than a formality. He encouraged leaders to take tangible steps to reduce tensions, reopen channels of dialogue, and pursue reconciliation wherever possible. His appeal reflected the Church’s consistent teaching that peace is not achieved through force alone, but through patient engagement, mutual respect, and a willingness to listen.
The Pope’s message was consistent with his broader engagement with the Olympic movement in the months leading up to the Games. He had previously sent messages to events connected to the Olympics, addressing athletes, organizers, and volunteers. In those remarks, he highlighted the authentic values of sport, presenting them as a school of virtue that forms both individuals and communities. He pointed to fair competition, respect for others, teamwork, and sacrifice as qualities that reflect a vision of the human person oriented toward the common good.
As the Winter Games prepared to unfold across northeastern Italy from February 6 through February 26, the Pope’s appeal stood as a reminder that global events carry moral weight. His call for an Olympic truce invited nations to look beyond medals and ceremonies, and instead to recognize a moment of grace, one that could open paths toward peace, even amid ongoing conflict.