Pope Leo's "Life in Abundance" -- Longest Papal Document on Athletics

I recently read a letter issued by Pope Leo XIV titled “Life in Abundance.” It's about the value of sport and he issued the letter on the occasion of the 25th Winter Olympic Games and 14th Paralympic Games.

The letter is the lengthiest papal document on athletics. It has eight sections:

• Sport and the building of peace
• The formative value of sport
• Sport, a school of life and contemporary forum
• Sport and personal development
• Risks that threaten sporting values
• Competition and the culture of encounter
• Sport, relationships and discernment
• A pastoral approach to sport for life in abundance

Pope Leo begins by stating,“Sport, as we know, can be very professional in nature and highly specialized. As such, it is a calling for relatively few people, even though it elicits the admiration and heartfelt enthusiasm of many who identify with the victories or defeats of the athletes. But sport is also a shared activity, open to all and salutary for both body and spirit, even becoming a universal expression of our humanity.”

Pope Leo discussed reflections on athletics by St. Paul, St. Bernard of Clairvaux, Hugh of Saint Victor, and St. Thomas Aquinas. He also turned to figures from the last five centuries, such as St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Philip Neri, and St. John Bosco, as well as papal and conciliar teaching beginning in the pontificate of Leo XIII (1878-1903).

Pope Leo said, "All this finds its ultimate meaning in the biblical promise that gives this letter its title: 'Life in Abundance.' This is not an accumulation of successes or performances, but a fullness of life that integrates our bodies, relationships and interior lives. In cultural terms, life in abundance invites us to liberate sport from reductive mentalities that would transform it into a mere spectacle or product. In pastoral terms, it urges the Church to be present and to offer accompaniment, discernment and hope. In this way, sport can truly become a school of life, where all can learn that abundance does not come from victory at any cost, but from sharing, from respecting others and from the joy of walking together."

Pope St. John Paul II (1978-2005) frequently spoke about sports but did not publish a letter as comprehensive as Pope Leo’s. Pope Benedict XVI (2005-2013) also addressed the topic, though less frequently. In 2018, during the pontificate of Pope Francis, the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life published “Giving the best of yourself,” a document on the Christian perspective on sport and the human person.

Calling for models of integrated holiness, Pope Leo writes: “We need to rediscover those who have combined passion for sports, sensitivity to social issues and holiness” -- pointing to St. Pier Giorgio Frassati as a young man who “perfectly combined faith, prayer, social commitment, and sport.”

Gotta Run,

Paul J. Staso

_______________________________________

Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past

Rededicating the United States as 'One Nation, Under God'

We're only five months away from the United States' national celebration of the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Yesterday, at the 74th annual National Prayer Breakfast, President Donald Trump announced that on May 17, 2026 (which is the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord on the Catholic calendar), the United States will hold an event to rededicate the nation to God.

President Trump said, “When our founders proclaimed the immortal truths that echoed around the world and down all the way through time, they declared that all of us are made free and equal by the hand of our Creator." In honor of the occasion, the President announced that he will hold an event titled "Rededicate 250" on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on May 17 “to rededicate America as one nation under God.” He said,“We’re inviting Americans from all across the country to come together on our National Mall to pray, to give thanks.”

Earlier this year, President Trump launched the “America Prays” initiative, asking Americans to pray for the country and its citizens. The White House published a 22-page document at the time to highlight the Christian roots of the country, which contained historical prayers, sermons, and presidential proclamations. On January 29, 2026, President Trump issued a proclamation which read, in part, "The Bible teaches: “In all circumstances give thanks.” As such, it is fitting that we mark this special year as a unique occasion to celebrate our proud history, reflect on our abundant blessings, pray for our country and our people, and rededicate ourselves as one Nation under God."

President Trump said the country is seeing a resurgence in the Christian faith and highlighted a rise in Bible sales in 2025 and a higher frequency of young people attending religious services -- citing one study from the Barna Group, which showed millennial and Generation Z Christians attending religious services at higher rates.

Gotta Run,

Paul J. Staso

_______________________________________

Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past

Its Been 20 Years Since I Ran Across America Alone to Keep a Promise

It was 20 years ago when I was in the process of training to run solo across America to keep a promise to a group of elementary children. In June 2006, I set off on that adventure with nothing more than a jogging stroller to carry my gear, food and water. Fortunately, 108 running days and 3,260 miles later, I completed that coast-to-coast endeavor. Yes, 20 years seems like a long time, but honestly it seems like it really wasn't that long ago when I took those first steps away from the Oregon coastline. I was facing 15 states (5,246 kilometers).

I recently heard, "My boss wants me to sign up for a 401K. No way I'm running that far!" It made me chuckle -- comparing a 401K retirement account to the 401K distance (401 kilometers is about 250 miles). I actually ran a 401K on week 15 of my run across America. I was in the states of Indiana and Ohio that week and was striding along comfortably. So, I've technically run a 401K. It just happened to be during my crossing of the country.

You can click here to see various statistics and details about my solo U.S. run.

Gotta Run,

Paul J. Staso

_______________________________________

Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek

Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:

• United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
• Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
• Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
• Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
• The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
• Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
• Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
• Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
• Some Cycling Moments From The Past