The Olympics and why the Catholic Church cares about sports

February 20, 2026 - 19:46

In February 1905, nine years after the first modern Olympic games were held in Athens, their founder Pierre de Coubertin met at the Vatican. His audience with Pope Pius X underscored a profound and often overlooked connection between faith and athletic endeavor that continues to this day. This historical moment highlighted the Church's early recognition of sports as a powerful cultural and human force.

The Church's interest extends far beyond the spectacle of competition. It views sports as a fertile ground for developing integral human virtues such as discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and respect. Athletic pursuit is seen as a way to honor the gift of the physical body, fostering a harmony between physical exertion and spiritual growth. Major sporting events like the Olympics present a unique platform for intercultural dialogue and solidarity, values deeply aligned with Catholic social teaching.

Within this context, sports are understood as a modern arena for practicing charity, sportsmanship, and humility. The Church emphasizes that the true spirit of competition should build bridges, not walls, and that athletes serve as role models whose conduct can inspire millions. This perspective transforms the playing field into a space where human dignity is both tested and elevated, making the Church’s care for sports a natural extension of its care for the whole person and the global community.