Pope Leo XIV highlighted the essential role of sport in promoting peace, respect and solidarity in his address to the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, on the occasion of the Angelus prayer. The message was delivered at the end of the Jubilee of Sport,

The Chicago-born pope addressed a crowd of 30,000 in a live-streamed message from the Vatican: "Build up community [and] friendship as brothers and sisters."

Mass before tens of thousands in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV took aim at the rise of “political nationalisms,” though he avoided naming any country or political figure. His remarks — emphasizing unity,