Winter Olympic Games in Milan Now has a Strong Spiritual Dimension Thanks to Catholic Church Initiatives


The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, are scheduled from February 6 to February 22, 2026, with some events starting as early as February 4. The Opening Ceremony will be held on February 6, 2026, at the Stadio San Siro in Milan. The event will feature 16 days of competition across various locations in Italy.

 The Catholic Church is taking a central role in the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics, transforming the global sporting event into a mission of solidarity, education, and spiritual depth. Led by the Archdiocese of Milan and the Fondazione Oratori Milanesi (FOM), the Church’s initiatives aim to ensure the Games leave a human legacy that far outlasts the medals.

Exactly two weeks before the start of the Games, the City Hall has unveiled the program of events, starting with Mass in the Basilica of San Babila on January 29th at 6:30 pm (read here) , where the Sportsmen's Cross will be received (presented by Athletica Vaticana to each diocese hosting the Olympics and Paralympics since the 2012 London Olympics). The Mass will be broadcast live on www.chiesadimilano.it and on the Diocese's YouTube channel , on Telenova, and on Play2000 . Furthermore, San Babila will become the "sportsmen's church" for the entire duration of the Games, with services in various languages; from there, the "Tour of Sporting Values" will begin (read here) , a journey that over 200 schools have already signed up for. In short, not just elite sports and internationally renowned champions, but also sport as a model of human and Christian growth. Program: https://www.chiesadimilano.it/wp-content/uploads/sites/83/2026/01/programma.pdf

Here is how the Church is bringing the "Olympic Spirit" to the heart of the community:

1. Pastoral Vision: Beyond Physical Performance

Archbishop Mario Delpini is reframing the narrative of the Games, moving away from "the banality of sport" centered on business and idolatry. His vision emphasizes:

  • The Whole Person: Advocacy for the "soul and relationship" of athletes, rather than just a "perfect body."

  • A "Win" for the City: Defining success not by logistics, but by how the Games benefit the marginalized and foster social growth.

  • The Archbishop’s Letters: Four specific letters addressed to athletes—Excellence, Friendship, Respect, and Winners—inspired by the Olympic Charter to offer a spiritual blessing on the competition.

2. Infrastructure of Solidarity: The "Game Villages"

The Church is leveraging its unique network of oratories to create inclusive spaces for the youth:

  • Three Dedicated Villages: Three oratories will be transformed into "Game Villages" specifically for young people.

  • Massive Mobilization: The initiative already involves 13,000 participants, 200 schools, and over 100 dedicated volunteers.

  • Radical Accessibility: Under the guidance of Father Mauro Santoro, all events will provide specific supports for people with disabilities to ensure no one is excluded.

3. Educational and Social Outreach

The Church’s commitment extends into prisons, theaters, and classrooms:

  • Inclusion in Prisons: CSI Milano is promoting inclusive sports events, including a notable program at the Bollate prison on February 28.

  • Theatrical Education: The play Citius, Altius, Fortius will be performed at Collegio San Carlo. It uses the story of Henri Didon (the Dominican friar who inspired the Olympic motto) to teach adolescents about bullying and the dangers of perfectionism.

  • Prevention Programs: Caritas Ambrosiana is hosting workshops using the game "Breaking the Rules" to educate teenagers on the risks of gambling.

Key Partners in the Church’s Olympic Mission

OrganizationKey InitiativeFocus Area
FOM (Oratories)Game VillagesYouth Engagement & Volunteers
Caritas Ambrosiana"Breaking the Rules"Social Prevention & Education
CSI MilanoBollate Prison EventInclusion & Marginalized Groups
CEI (Italian Bishops)Citius, Altius, FortiusTheatrical & Moral Guidance

"The Church is a fundamental ally... The Olympics are a starting point, not a destination, for cultural change." — Martina Riva, Milan City Councilor for Sport.

Source: https://www.chiesadimilano.it/news/chiesa-diocesi/for-each-other-il-progetto-della-diocesi-per-olimpiadi-e-paralimpiadi-2861117.html 

 

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