# Pope Leo XIV celebrates Special Olympics athletes

> The Pope meets with Italian Special Olympics delegation and praises sport's power to transform lives.
- Title: Pope Leo XIV celebrates Special Olympics athletes | Shortify
- Summary: The Pope meets with Italian Special Olympics delegation and praises sport's power to transform lives. Pope Leo XIV believes sport teaches noble values and…
- Keywords: pope leo xiv, special olympics, vatican, sport, athletes with intellectual disabilities, 2025 special olympics world winter games, turin, saint pier giorgio frassati, holy life, universal language, religion, world
- Source: Vaticannews — https://vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-09/pope-leo-xiv-special-olympics-delegation.html
- Author: Vatican News
- Published: 2026-09-19T11:02:15.191+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: pope leo xiv, special olympics, vatican, sport, athletes with intellectual disabilities, 2025 special olympics world winter games, turin, saint pier giorgio frassati, holy life, universal language, religion, world
## Pope meets Special Olympics delegation
Pope Leo XIV received Italian athletes from the Special Olympics who competed in the 2025 World Winter Games in Turin. He expressed joy at their presence and praised their positive message.
## What is Special Olympics
Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics promotes sports for people with intellectual disabilities. It operates in over 190 countries and involves around 5 million athletes worldwide.

> Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.
## Pope shares his love of sport
The Pope told the delegation, 'I too am very fond of sport,' and emphasized its great educational value in teaching noble and authentic values to people.

> I too am very fond of sport, and I am convinced of its great educational value.
## Sport teaches commitment and teamwork
Taking part in sport requires serious commitment and hard work, then sharing results with loyalty, trust, openness, team spirit, and courage. These values are essential for a good life.
## Sport as universal language
The Pope noted that sport transcends cultural, social, religious, and physical differences, bringing people together. The world needs people who demonstrate that sharing and love lead to happiness and peace.
## Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati as model
The Pope invoked Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young sportsman who translated athletic values into a holy life. He encouraged the athletes to follow this example and live holy lives.

> A young sportsman like you who, in love with Jesus, knew how to translate the values of sport into a holy life.
## Key takeaway

Pope Leo XIV believes sport teaches noble values and serves as a universal language that brings people together across all differences.