“The pope is dead.” These words will dramatically ring out across Olympic ice as Italian figure skater Daniel Grassl begins his long program to music from the movie “Conclave” in the men’s figure skating final event Feb. 13, which will determine who stands on the podium at the Milan Cortina Games.

Just as the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan Cortina were about to begin, Pope Leo XIV called on the Catholic Church to recognize sport as an opportunity to offer much-needed human and spiritual guidance.

The 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games opening Feb. 6 are not merely a display of athletic prowess, but an opportunity to rediscover sports as a means of fostering peace in a fractured world, said an official of the Archdiocese of Milan.

Ahead of the 2026 Milan Cortina Games which officially begin Feb. 6, meet some athletes who have mentioned their Catholic and Christian faith as part of their journey to the games.

Father Negri is thought to be the first tourist to travel to Norway’s North Cape and the first Central European to don a pair of skis and spread this sleek, winter transport technology to Italy, host country to the Olympic Winter Games in Milano-Cortina Feb. 6-22.

When we apply the principles of sport — faithful practice, obedience to the rules, resilience after failure, self-control, discipline and trust in a greater goal — to our spiritual lives, then our discipleship is strengthened and our soul is made stronger and better prepared to meet God.

The devout Catholic homesteading mother and grandmother is using what she learned as an Olympian to help young people and women find success in sport, live a healthy lifestyle and stay connected to God.

Britta Curl-Salemme is realizing her Olympic dream and will be heading to Milan, Italy, to compete on the U.S. women’s ice hockey team in her first Olympic games.

Maryvale Preparatory School prevailed for the second straight year in “The Classic” by rallying for a 44-34 victory in front of a large and engaged crowd Jan. 30 at Towson University’s SECU Arena.

Catholic Charities of Baltimore is inviting players of all skill levels to enjoy another day of competition for a good cause at the “Righteous Rally” Feb. 7 at Dill Dinkers in White Marsh.