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Breaking barriers at The Olympics: Why Pope Francis celebrates sport

27 July 2024

This Olympics, it’s not just the athletes enjoying the games…Pope Francis also champions sports across the world! 

Top three reasons Pope Francis celebrates sport:

1. Playing together unites us
Sports can connect us no matter our background. Pope Francis once said, “Sport has the power to unite people, regardless of their physical, economic or social abilities.”

2. Sport can promote Christian values
In his address to the Vatican City’s sports association, Pope Francis said, “I encourage every one of you to see sport as a path of life that may help you to build a more united community and to promote the values of Christian life.”

3. Sport can build bridges, break down barriers and foster peaceful relations

“Sport can build bridges, break down barriers and foster peaceful relations”

Pope Francis

As the Paris 2024 Olympics takes place, we’re taking inspiration from one of the many reasons Pope Francis celebrates sport: it can help break down barriers. These barriers can come in many forms, from social to economic to gender. And at CAFOD, we champion sports as a tool to support vulnerable people.

Elizabeth Akinyi's journey to the Olympics

Next to Africa’s largest unregulated landfill site in a densely populated area called Korogocho, Kenya, CAFOD funded St John's Sport Society for 10 years.

It was here, in this deprived neighbourhood, that Elizabeth Akinyi began her journey to becoming a champion boxer.

Thanks to the sports centre, Akinyi was able to train regularly despite her difficult circumstances and she went on to represent Kenya in boxing at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

“I’d like to tell young girls to get involved in sports and stay focused because sports will take us somewhere”

Elizabeth Akinyi

Through boxing, Akinyi broke down barriers and fulfilled her potential - an inspiring demonstration of Pope Francis' powerful words.