Playing the game, living the Gospel

Are you watching it? Which team are you supporting?

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup has the eyes of, it’s safe to say, millions turning their gaze to the football fields in the host countries. This weekend, the quadrennial competition moves into the knockout rounds following the conclusion of the group stage.

Earlier this June month, as the world prepared to witness the skills of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe et al, Pope Leo XIV invited Catholics and all people of goodwill to pray “that sports be an instrument of peace, encounter, and dialogue among cultures and nations, and that they promote values such as respect, solidarity, and personal growth.”

His intention reminds us that sport is far more than competition and entertainment. Properly understood, it is a school of virtue, a means of building friendships, and a pathway to human flourishing. In an increasingly divided world, sport possesses a unique power to unite people across cultures, languages, and national boundaries. Just take a lot at the thousands filling the stadia in Mexico, Canada and the United States.

In his prayer video, the Holy Father gave thanks “for the gift of sport, for those who glorify God through the exercise of their bodies, for the friendships born on the field and the joy of playing as a team.”

Those words capture something profoundly Christian. Human beings are created in the image of God, body and soul, and physical activity is one way of honouring that gift.

The Scriptures themselves recognise the value of athletic discipline.

St Paul frequently used the language of sport to illustrate the Christian life.

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win it,” (1 Cor 9:24). He continues, “Athletes exercise self-control in all things,” (1 Cor 9:25).

Perseverance, discipline, sacrifice, and commitment—qualities cultivated in sport—are equally necessary in the life of faith.

St Paul would later write, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith,” (2 Tim 4:7). The Christian journey itself is an endurance race, requiring patience and trust in God. As the Letter to the Hebrews exhorts believers, “Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,” (Heb 12:1).

Pope Leo drew this connection beautifully when he prayed: “May every sport become a parable of life lived with You, working with joy and effort, living with humility in defeat and with gratitude in the victory You offer in your Resurrection.”

One team

Humility in defeat and gratitude in victory are virtues that our world desperately needs. Too often, contemporary culture prizes winning at all costs, while fostering individualism and hostility. Genuine sport teaches something different. It teaches respect for opponents, obedience to rules, teamwork, and solidarity. It reminds us that success is not achieved alone but through cooperation and mutual support.

The Holy Father also prayed that God’s Spirit would make us “one team, united with you to build communion and fraternity in history.” That image is especially fitting. The Church herself is a communion, a body whose members are called to work together for the common good.

Sport can also be a force for peace. International competitions bring together nations that may differ politically, economically or culturally, yet on the playing field they share a common language. Friendships are forged, prejudices overcome and mutual respect strengthened.

In a fragmented world yearning for unity, Catholics should recognise and support the positive values that sport can foster. Whether as athletes, coaches, parents, or supporters, we are called to ensure that competition always serves human dignity and fraternity.

For when practised in the right spirit, sport does not merely produce champions.

It forms better people and helps build a more peaceful and united world.