Ahead of the Winter Olympic Games that begin on February 6, Pope Leo XIV urges nations in conflict to respect the traditional Olympic truce.
By Devin Watkins
Pope Leo XIV appealed for respect for the ancient tradition of the Olympic truce, as the Milano-Cortina Winter Games get underway in northern Italy later this week.
Speaking at the Angelus on Sunday, the Pope said the Olympics and Paralympics represent an important message of fraternity while rekindling hope for a peaceful world.
“This is also the meaning of the Olympic truce, a very ancient custom that accompanies the holding of the Games,” he said.
The Olympic truce is an tradition dating back to 776 BC in ancient Greece, when states would lay their arms before and during the Games.
“I hope that those who care deeply for peace among peoples, and all those in positions of authority, will take this opportunity to make concrete gestures to ease tensions and seek dialogue,” said the Pope.
The 2026 Winter Olympic Games kick off in northeastern Italy on February 6 and run until February 26.
Pope Leo has already sent two messages to events held ahead of the Olympics, urging athletes and volunteers to embrace the true values of sport, which he described as “fair play, respect, team spirit, and sacrifice, as well as social inclusion and the joy of encounter.”