In the host city of Milan for the 2026 Winter Olympics, a revered symbol known as the Cross of the Athletes has taken center stage within one of the city's most historic religious sites. The wooden cross, proudly displayed beside the main altar in the Basilica of San Babila, imparts a powerful message of transcendence and unity that echoes the Olympic spirit. While less commonly recognized than the Olympic flame, this emblem carries profound significance for the Catholic Church's vision of sport as a force that fosters connection among diverse peoples.
San Babila, one of Milan's oldest churches, has embraced the title of Church of Athletes for the duration of the Games. This designation highlights the space as a spiritual and communal hub amidst the Olympic festivities. The cross itself is exceptional, meticulously formed from 15 wooden pieces originating from each inhabited continent, symbolically mirroring the five Olympic rings and underscoring a message of global solidarity. Reverend Stefano Guidi, director of the Archdiocese of Milan’s Service for Oratories and Sport, explained that sport is understood not as a division but as a unifying influence, a concept embodied precisely in the construction and presence of this cross.
British artist Jon Cornwall, responsible for crafting the Cross of the Athletes, assembled the piece for its inaugural showing at the 2012 London Olympics. Since its debut, the cross has journeyed to various host cities for subsequent Summer and Winter Games, with the exception of the Tokyo Olympics, where pandemic-related restrictions prevented travel. Notably, in June 2023, the cross was featured prominently at the Vatican's Jubilee of Sport, a solemn celebration attended by Pope Leo XIV, who bears personal ties to sportsmanship and athletic values. Looking ahead, the cross is slated to proceed to Los Angeles in time for the 2028 Summer Olympics.
According to documentation released by the Vatican’s culture ministry, incorporating its sports department, the cross conveys the prayers and aspirations of athletes worldwide, extending a Christian message that resonates throughout the sports community. It stands as a symbol of hope for humanity and an invitation to peace among nations.
On the occasion of the Milan-Cortina opening ceremony, Pope Leo XIV issued a message titled “Life in Abundance,” which emphasized the unifying nature of sport and its capacity to honor both the endeavor and the outcome. He wrote that sport teaches individuals to pursue excellence without disregarding vulnerability, to succeed without belittling others, and to face defeat without losing personal dignity.
Within the Basilica of San Babila, local residents such as Giovanna Spotti have expressed a deep emotional connection to the cross. Spotti, who lives in close proximity to the church, reflected on the significance of the cross's presence, noting that its display and veneration in such a venerable Milanese church enrich the Olympic experience by intertwining spirituality and history.
Positioned near the bustling Piazza San Babila, a central nexus for transportation and congregation, the basilica hosts a variety of Masses in multiple languages—including Italian, English, French, and German—to reflect the international character of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The inaugural Mass, conducted in Italian, drew a full congregation and featured a homily emphasizing fraternity over individualism and promoting unity across societal divides.
Subsequently, the Reverend Stefano Chiarolla led a German-language service that included attendees solely Italian by nationality. He articulated the importance of multilingual worship as a visible expression of hospitality and inclusion aligned with the global gathering. Attendee Marino Parodi shared that discovering the German Mass through online searches enabled his participation despite scheduling conflicts with earlier services.
These religious observances and the cross’s installation are integral components of the Milan archdiocese’s comprehensive Olympic initiative. Beyond liturgical events, this initiative encompasses a youth-oriented "Tour of Sports Values," cultural exhibitions, theatrical presentations, concerts, programs promoting inclusive sports participation, as well as art installations set within Milan’s historic churches, all designed to inculcate Olympic values broadly within the community.