At the beginning of February, Australian families were returning to school and work routines after witnessing a memorable summer of Ashes cricket, the Australian Open tennis, the Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and many other sporting achievements. The AFL and NRL pre-seasons were beginning, and we awaited international sporting events like the NFL Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina. Amidst all the excitement of our sporting summer, Pope Leo XIV published a special letter central to all these sporting moments.
Life in Abundance – a letter on the value of sport was released on February 6, as the Winter Olympics opened. The letter explores the historical connection of sport and faith grounded in scripture, saints, theologians, Vatican II and previous Popes. Further, it brings the Church’s role in sport into today’s world, highlighting opportunities for education and formation, the elements that dilute the value of sport or those participating in it, and identifying that it is not about “imposing rules from outside, but of illuminating the meaning of sporting activity from within”.
Australia’s relationship with sport, its love for, and, in some cases, abuse of sport, demands that we don’t just read the footnotes or key points of this letter, but we read and reflect in detail on the cultural phenomenon of sport in Australia and how the people of God participate and encourage its experience.
Reflection on sport and its contribution to human development and society shows us the “values promoted by sport — such as loyalty, sharing, hospitality, dialogue, and trust in others — are common to every person, regardless of ethnic origin, culture, or religious belief”. Sport’s educational significance “teaches us a deeper understanding of life, in which success is never definitive and failure is never the last word”. And when sport is available to all and inclusive, it demonstrates that “sport is not about putting on a show, but about closeness; it is not selection, but accompaniment; it is not exaggerated competition, but a shared journey”.
In concluding his letter, Pope Leo XIV calls for dioceses, parishes and communities to become more attentive to the benefits and opportunities in sport.
“An appropriate pastoral approach to sport stems from the awareness that sport is an activity that forms imaginations, shapes lifestyles and educates young generations. For this reason, it is necessary for particular Churches to recognise sport as an opportunity for discernment and accompaniment and to offer human and spiritual guidance.”
All are encouraged to reflect on Pope Leo XIV’s letter on the value of sport and consider how it can be utilised in their local setting. Further Australian statements and resources on the integration and evangelising opportunities of sport and faith can be found on the NCE’s website sports hub.
Quotes taken from ‘Life in Abundance – Letter of Pope Leo XIV on the value of sport’, February 6, 2026.
Additional Resources
Key points from the letter on sport, “Life in Abundance” (Pope Leo XIV)
Sports - National Centre for Evangelisation, Australia
Image: iStock
Words: Malcolm Hart