As Olympics Open, Pope Leo Warns Against Using Sports for ‘Propaganda or National Supremacy’

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 75% complete by Motoko RichFebruary 6, 2026 at 02:31 PM

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medium article 3 min

Pope Leo XIV issued a formal letter on the value of sports on Friday, coinciding with the opening of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. The Pope called for a pause in global military conflicts during the Games, viewing them as a symbol of a reconciled world amidst geopolitical turbulence. He cautioned against using sports for propaganda or nationalistic displays, emphasizing their role as a place for encounter and mutual admiration, not political or ideological affirmation. The letter comes at a time of heightened global tensions, including conflicts and threats from national leaders. The Pope's message is significant due to its breadth and formal designation, contrasting with previous papal addresses on sports.

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olympics 100% pope leo xiv 90% geopolitical turbulence 80% national supremacy 70% sports 70% propaganda 70% military conflict 60% international relations 50% papal letter 50%

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New York Times - World

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Center-Left (-0.30)

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90%

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olympics pope leo xiv geopolitical turbulence national supremacy sports propaganda military conflict international relations papal letter

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