VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV welcomed a delegation of Special Olympics athletes, coaches and leaders to the Vatican on September 19, 2026, using the meeting to emphasize the educational power of sport and the dignity, talent and contribution of people with intellectual disabilities. The audience, held at the Apostolic Palace, brought together athletes and representatives of the international Special Olympics movement, including members of the Italian delegation that competed at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin.
Addressing the delegation, Pope Leo XIV described sport as an important means of developing character and strengthening human relationships. He said participation in athletics requires serious commitment and perseverance while cultivating qualities including loyalty, trust, openness, teamwork and courage. The Pope also spoke personally about his appreciation for sport, telling the athletes, “As you know, I too am very fond of sport,” before highlighting its educational value in both competitive and recreational settings.
The meeting placed particular attention on the athletes themselves rather than simply their competitions. Pope Leo praised the participants for demonstrating through their lives how determination, teamwork and mutual respect can extend beyond sporting venues and contribute to stronger communities. He encouraged athletes, coaches, managers, assistants and support personnel to continue their work with enthusiasm, thanking them for the positive example they provide.
The Special Olympics said the Vatican gathering represented recognition of the broader contribution that people with intellectual disabilities make to society. David Evangelista, President and CEO of Special Olympics, said the meeting represented “an important recognition of the dignity, talent and contribution of people with intellectual disabilities.” He emphasized that sport can bring athletes, families, coaches, volunteers and communities together while creating opportunities extending far beyond competition.
Loretta Claiborne, a prominent Special Olympics athlete and senior advocate within the movement, described representing athletes from around the world at the Vatican as a significant honor. Reflecting on her own experience, she said sport had provided opportunities to compete, travel, establish friendships and demonstrate her abilities. She expressed hope that the Vatican encounter would encourage greater recognition that athletes with intellectual disabilities have both a right to participate in sport and valuable contributions to make to society.
Pope Leo XIV also connected the gathering with the Holy See’s longstanding message that sport can overcome social divisions and strengthen human solidarity. Referring to Pope Francis’ earlier remarks to Special Olympics athletes, he recalled the idea of sport as a universal language capable of crossing cultural, social, religious and physical differences. Pope Leo told the delegation that today’s world needs people who demonstrate the values of sharing and love and who help advance happiness and peace through their example.
The Vatican audience highlighted a broader international effort to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities are recognized as active participants in community life rather than defined by limitations. Through athletic competition, friendship and public engagement, the Special Olympics movement continues to promote inclusion and equal opportunity, while the Pope’s reception provided a prominent global platform for that message of human dignity, perseverance and solidarity.
