Pope receives pilgrims from Notre Dame and Villanova, reflects on athletics and holiness

November 02, 2026

Pope Leo XIV reflected on athletics and holiness as he addressed pilgrims from the University of Notre Dame and Villanova University.

Men’s and women’s basketball teams from the two universities were in Rome for the Eternal City Tip-Off. The Pontiff received the pilgrims on October 31, the day before the competition.

We are invited “to ensure that every aspect of our lives, including our athletic endeavors, will help us to love God and our neighbor,” Pope Leo said during the audience (video), which took place in Paul VI Audience Hall. “For a number of saints, including Pier Giorgio Frassati, a patron saint of athletes, sport was an important component of their lives.”

“His life, as well as that of many holy men and women, reminds us that no one is born a champion, just as no one is born a saint,” Pope Leo continued. “Rather, holiness requires a daily training in love.”

The Pope added:

In this regard, Christians are called to run in the race of life with the objective of winning an imperishable crown of glory (cf. 1 Cor 9:24-25). I pray that the activities which comprise your pilgrimage, especially your visits to the tombs of the Apostles, who gave their lives in defense of the faith, will serve as a reminder that our true goal, beyond emerging victorious in any one event, is to win the prize of everlasting life.

.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• To a Pilgrimage from Villanova University and the University of Notre Dame (Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Media, 10/31/26)
• Audience with participants in the pilgrimage of Villanova University and the University of Notre Dame (Holy See Press Office, 10/31/26)
• Pope: In an age marked by distance, sports bring people together (Vatican News, 10/31/26)