A Weekend of Celebration and Reflection

By Grace Lathrop

University of Iowa Student

Thousands of athletes, coaches, managers and enthusiasts gathered in Saint Peter’s Square on Saturday, 14 June, to celebrate the Jubilee of Sport. The program for the two-day event began on Saturday with a conference entitled, “Momentum of Hope: Stories Beyond the Podium”, which included panel discussions and testimonies and ended with the presentation of the “Sport in Motion” award to 25-year old Isaac Burjiwa. Entitled “Bloom – Where the War Fails”, the winning photograph depicts children playing football with a ball made of rags. The contest invited photographers under the age of 25 to submit photographs that capture the correlation between sports and hope.

Athletes also participated in the traditional ritual of a pilgrimage through the Holy Doors. The evening ended with an outdoor screening of the award-winning film, “Chariots of Fire”.

For some, the Jubilee of Sport is more than just a celebration — it symbolizes how sports can bring athletes together from all different backgrounds. For example, three Irish football players, who were brought together through their love of the sport, were astonished to hear Pope Leo mention Ireland during his greetings on Saturday. They later presented him with a special team jersey, a moment they will never forget.

On Sunday, 15 June, Pope Leo celebrated Holy Mass for the Jubilee of Sport and the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. He helped participants understand the unique connection between sports and faith by explaining how athletic activity can better build their connection to God and foster everlasting hope and community.

During Sunday’s celebration, a special gift was presented to Athletica Vaticana by members of the French Bishop’s Conference: The Cross of Athletes, also known as the Olympic Cross. The Cross was previously used as a spiritual symbol during the 2024 Paris Olympics and the Paralympic Games. It will now be placed in the Chapel of Athletes at the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene in Paris. Designed and created by artist Jon Cornwall, the Cross is made from 12 different timbers from around the world to represent the 12 disciples.

At the end of the service, Pope Leo encouraged athletes to align all of their actions and activities with God’s teachings, urging them to trust in Mary, who will eventually lead them to the greatest gift of eternal life, and to continue to foster hope and trust in God.