Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of promoting dialogue and peace in a world marked by divisions. The Pope addressed participants in an Italian charity event, highlighting the urgency of unity. He expressed hope that participants would learn from children to welcome others and promote encounter. The Pope stated that it is always possible to come together, even amidst divisions and war.
5 months ago
Pope Leo XIV has issued a powerful message emphasizing humanity's enduring capacity for unity and encounter, even in times of profound division, conflict, and war 1 2 5. His remarks were delivered via video to participants of "La Partita del Cuore" ("The Match of the Heart"), a charity football match and concert held in L'Aquila, Italy 1 3 5. The event, now in its 34th edition, raises funds for "Progetto Accolgienza" ("Project Welcome"), an initiative providing accommodation and support to underprivileged families whose children receive treatment at the Vatican's Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital 1 3 5.
The Pope highlighted that the word "match" in the event's title signifies "meeting" and coming together, where even opponents unite for a cause greater than themselves 1 3 5. He stressed that it is "always possible to come together" and "necessary to create the opportunities to do this," urging people to challenge divisions and recognize that the greatest challenge is to foster encounter 1 3. Pope Leo XIV drew a parallel to the spontaneous Christmas Truce of 1914, when soldiers from opposing sides of World War I momentarily laid down arms to play football, an event depicted in the film "Joyeux Noel" and referenced in Paul McCartney's song "Pipes of Peace" 1 3 5. He signed a baseball at the event, symbolizing his message of compassion even in competition 3.
Pope Leo XIV underscored the significant role that various societal spheres can play in promoting unity and overcoming divisions 1. He explained that sports, when practiced and cheered well, can transform confrontation into encounter, division into inclusion, and solitude into community 1 3 5. The Pope noted that politics can also unite rather than divide if it moves beyond propaganda and engages in the "difficult and necessary art of constructive dialogue" for the common good 1 3 5. Similarly, music and television have the potential to enrich understanding and promote communion, fostering love over hate 1.
The charity match specifically supports children with complex illnesses or injuries, including those from war-torn regions like Ukraine and Gaza, who receive free treatment at the Bambino Gesù Hospital 1 3 5. The "Progetto Accolgienza" ensures that their families are also supported with accommodation and material aid without cost 1 5. The Pope applauded the event for "gathering funds for life, for cures, not for destruction and death," emphasizing the purity of heart in children who instinctively understand the need for unity 1. He challenged participants to "dream not only of becoming champions, but of building a more just world — starting on the field" 3.
How does the Church promote unity amidst global division?
The Catholic Church promotes unity amidst global division by emphasizing that unity is a gift from God and a fundamental characteristic of the Church, while also recognizing the duty of Christians to work towards it , . This commitment stems from Christ's prayer "that they may all be one" (Jn 17:21), understanding that Christian disunity is a scandal to non-Christians and an obstacle to evangelization , .
The Church's efforts to promote unity can be understood through several key aspects:
The Catholic Church is solemnly pledged to work for Christian unity, a commitment reaffirmed at the Second Vatican Council . This unity, which is the ultimate goal of the ecumenical movement, requires full visible communion among all Christians, encompassing unity of faith, unity in sacramental life, and unity in ministry , .
The Church's mission to unify all people under one Spirit requires fostering mutual esteem, reverence, and harmony within the Church itself, through the full recognition of lawful diversity .
In essence, the Church's promotion of unity amidst global division is a multifaceted endeavor rooted in its divine nature and mission, pursued through prayer, dialogue, reconciliation, and a consistent witness to the Gospel's unifying power , , , .