On Sunday, Pope Leo urged international leaders to utilize the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics to promote peace by taking tangible actions toward de-escalation and communication.

Milan and the Alpine resort of Cortina d’Ampezzo will co-host the Games from February 6 to 22.

Following his monthly Angelus prayer, the pope stated that great sporting events, such as the Olympic Games, carry a “powerful message of fraternity” and can reignite hope for “a world at peace,” citing the historic tradition of the Olympic ceasefire.

“The Olympic truce is an ancient custom that accompanies the holding of the Games,” he said.

“I hope that those who care about peace among peoples and hold positions of authority will take concrete steps on this occasion toward de‑escalation and dialogue,” he added.