Since 2012, the Vatican has entrusted the wooden cross designed and created by British artist Jon Cornwall to dioceses hosting the summer and winter Olympics.<\/p>\n
Olympic Cross arrives in Milan for 2026 Winter Olympics<\/p>\n
The Vatican \u201cSports Cross\u201d arrived at the Basilica of San Babila in Milan on Thursday evening, one week ahead of the opening of the Feb. 6\u201322 Winter Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy.<\/p>\n
Since 2012, the Vatican has entrusted the wooden cross designed and created by British artist Jon Cornwall to dioceses hosting the Summer and Winter Olympics.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s an important gesture,\u201d Bishop Paul Tighe, secretary of the Vatican Dicastery for Culture and Education, told EWTN News reporter Paola Arriaza Flynn. \u201cIt\u2019s saying something about the Church\u2019s interest and involvement with the world of sport.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to celebrate the human spirit that expresses itself in so many ways, including in forms of faith,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
During the Jan. 29 welcoming Mass for the \u201cSports Cross\u201d \u2014 also known as the \u201cCross of Athletes\u201d \u2014 Archbishop Mario Delpini of the Diocese of Milan read a message from Pope Leo XIV expressing the pontiff\u2019s hope that this year\u2019s international games will be an occasion for renewed \u201cfriendship and fraternity\u201d among peoples.<\/p>\n
Archbishop Mario Delpini of Milan celebrates Mass in the Basilica of San Babila in Milan, Italy, on Jan. 29, 2026, after receiving the Vatican Sports Cross ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. | Credit: Cherchi\/chiesadimilano.it<\/p>\n
The evening Mass celebration took place on the eve of the anniversary of the \u201cOlympic Truce,\u201d an ancient Greek tradition that was revived in 1991 to promote peace and allow the safe travel of athletes and spectators during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we\u2019re trying to do is to invite people, during this time when they\u2019re here for sport, to think about the things that give purpose and meaning in life,\u201d Tighe told EWTN News. \u201cMany values are exemplified in sport.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPope Leo has, from the beginning, talked about the importance of peace,\u201d the Vatican secretary for culture and education said. \u201cSport speaks a common language \u2026 I think peace comes from that sense of people giving their best, giving it in service of others, and working for the good of all.\u201d<\/p>\n
The celebration for the presentation of the Sports Cross at the Basilica of San Babila was the first and most significant moment of the \u201cFor Each Other\u201d project, promoted by the Archdiocese of Milan.<\/p>\n
Throughout the Milan-Cortina games, the archdiocese will offer various educational, cultural, and sporting initiatives, particularly aimed at young people, in different venues across the city.<\/p>\n
This article was originally published by EWTN News English.<\/p>\n