Pope Leo XIV shares inspiring message about soccer, life ahead of FIFA World Cup

Pope Leo XIV has shared some wisdom about life on the eve of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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The leader of the Catholic Church used social media — it is 2026, after all — to circulate his message.

This is what the pope posted:

«The World Cup begins tomorrow, and many will watch the matches. Soccer reminds us of something we must not forget: life is not a race to show off on our own, but a path we learn to walk together. Anyone who does not know how to pass the ball, even if they have talent, has not yet understood the game. Anyone who does not know how to live with and for others has not yet understood life.»

In other words — life is a team sport.

The pope also made some fun, unscripted remarks recently about this sport:

⚽ Pope Leo talks about his experience of football.

He made the unscripted comments in a meeting with charity workers in Barcelona, Spain, the second leg of his Apostolic Journey to the country. pic.twitter.com/uZYAol2QIn

— Vatican News (@VaticanNews) June 10, 2026

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The most beautiful passages of play in the World’s Game are those brilliant team goals, the one in which every player on the pitch touches the ball to set up a clinical finish.

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Such is life. 

When we work together and achieve something, there’s an increased sense of satisfaction about having accomplished something with one another.

Sports, in so many ways, serve as microcosms of the world and of our lives.

Soccer, which brings nations together in this 48-team bonanza, is as good an example as any.

These players learned the game in different places. They speak different languages. They come from different climates and different life experiences.

But on the pitch, they share a common goal. They give their very best in the hopes of making their home nations proud. They, as Pope Leo XIV puts it, show they «know how to pass the ball.»

As all of us watch this year’s World Cup, let’s keep that message in mind. It’s a good one.

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More FIFA World Cup news:

• Italy is on a nightmare path through recent World Cup history
• Harry Kane reveals blunt feelings about potential England issues in U.S. heat