Exciting news! Atletica Vaticana is gearing up to participate in the Championships of the Small States of Europe athletics competition. What sets them apart this time? They will be carrying a relay baton that has been blessed and signed by none other than Pope Francis himself.

Vatican News

On Saturday, June 23, Athletica Vaticana, also known as the Vatican Athletics team, will be heading to Gibraltar to compete in this year’s Championships of the Small States of Europe. This event will see 18 other small countries participating in the competition.

This symbolic gesture of carrying a blessed baton signed by the Pope emphasizes the values of fraternity, inclusion, and peace that the Vatican team stands for.

Participating Nations

Alongside our very own Vatican athletes – Emiliano Morbidelli, Carlo Pellegrini, Rien Schuurhuis, Giuseppe Tetto, and Giuseppe Zapparata, athletes from various other small countries such as Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and more will also be competing in the event. Some of these athletes have previously participated in Olympic and World Championship finals.

Sports and Fraternity

Athletica Vaticana’s mission of promoting fraternity and inclusivity on the international sports stage is commendable. Through sports, they aim to build bridges of friendship and dialogue, spreading messages of unity and understanding in a world often divided by tension and conflict.

Engagement with the Local Community

In addition to participating in the competition, the Vatican athletics team will also engage with the local community in Gibraltar. Following the example set by Pope Francis, they will be sharing Italian dinner with people with intellectual disabilities and their families, as well as having a fellowship with the Christian community of Gibraltar.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Vatican Athletics Team’s journey at the Championships of the Small States of Europe!