VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has announced his prayer intention for June, inviting Catholics around the world to pray “for the values of sports,” emphasizing their role in promoting human growth, unity, and peace. The message was shared through the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, continuing the long-standing tradition of monthly papal prayer intentions focused on global concerns.

In his reflection, Pope Leo highlighted how sports can serve as a powerful school of life, teaching discipline, teamwork, perseverance, and respect for others. He encouraged athletes, coaches, and fans alike to ensure that compeтιтion remains rooted in fairness and mutual dignity rather than division or excessive rivalry.

“Sport is not only compeтιтion,” the Pope noted, “but a path of encounter, formation, and fraternity.” He stressed that when practiced with integrity, athletic activities can help bridge cultural and social divides, bringing together people from different backgrounds in a shared spirit of solidarity.

The Pope also warned against the commercialization and corruption of sports, including unethical practices that undermine its educational and moral value. He urged insтιтutions to protect young athletes and promote environments where personal development is prioritized over profit or exploitation.

Pope Leo’s intention reflects a broader vision of human development that integrates physical, moral, and spiritual growth. By encouraging prayer for the values of sports, he called on the global community to rediscover athletics as a means of building peace, friendship, and mutual respect across nations.