Religious quotes and news – February 15, 2026
Snippets of religious statements and highlights of events from around the world
Life in abundance
‘Life in abundance’ is the title of the message Pope Leo XIV has issued on the occasion of the 25th Winter Olympic Games and 14th Paralympic Games:
“In cultural terms, life in abundance invites us to liberate sport from reductive mentalities that would transform it into a mere spectacle or product. In pastoral terms, it urges the Church to be present and to offer accompaniment, discernment and hope. In this way, sport can truly become a school of life, where all can learn that abundance does not come from victory at any cost, but from sharing, from respecting others and from the joy of walking together.”
Spiritual help and mental health
Archbishop Ettore Balestrero, apostolic nuncio and Permanent Observer to the United Nations, in an address to the WHO, acknowledged the value of spiritual assistance in addressing mental health needs:
“In the contemporary era, young people are confronted with a multitude of mental health challenges, which can lead to despair and suicide. These vulnerabilities can often be related to existential crises that arise from the loss of human life’s profound meaning and value.
“There is, therefore, a need to better recognise and acknowledge the spiritual dimension and needs of the human person. Alongside professional mental health care and support, spiritual assistance has the potential to provide a profound sense of belonging, a vital sense of purpose and a compelling narrative of hope, amidst the difficulties of life.
“When young people realise that they are not accidental by-products of the universe but are created in the image and likeness of God and loved and willed by Him, life acquires meaning, even amidst pain and suffering.
“In a culture of freneticism, immediacy and indifference that prevents us from acknowledging the needs and suffering of others, spiritual assistance fosters recognition of the gift of life and of the God-given dignity of every human being. It also facilitates the search for meaning and contributes to the construction of a society of authentic relationships, where concern for all implies bearing another’s pain.”
(Compiled by Fr Joe Borg)