Pope Urges Olympic Truce Ahead of Milano–Cortina as Italy Protests ICE Role

Overview

• During his Angelus address at St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV called for an Olympic truce and said major sporting events can rekindle hope for peace.
• He asked those in authority to take concrete steps that lower tensions and foster dialogue, and he offered prayers and an apostolic blessing for the organizers and athletes.
• The appeal comes as protests continue in Italy over U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel slated to support security at the Winter Games.
• U.S. officials say the deployed ICE team specializes in cross‑border crime and international event security, distinguishing it from domestic immigration‑enforcement units.
• Milan mayor Giuseppe Sala condemned the ICE presence, other politicians voiced criticism, and the Games are scheduled for February 6–22 with about 93 countries expected and the Paralympics from March 6–15.