By Zoey
Since his election to the papacy last year, Pope Leo XIV has become known not only for his leadership of the Catholic Church but also for an unexpected personal passion that has attracted attention around the world: tennis.
The revelation that the pope enjoys playing tennis quickly captured public interest after he met with world No. 1 tennis star Jannik Sinner shortly after his election. What initially appeared to be a lighthearted detail about the new pontiff has since become a window into a broader philosophy that combines physical activity, personal discipline and spiritual growth.
Those close to the pope say that despite the enormous responsibilities of leading more than a billion Catholics worldwide, Leo has worked to preserve time for regular exercise and recreation. Tennis, in particular, has become a key part of a routine that reflects the values of the Augustinian religious order to which he belongs.
Friends, colleagues and fellow Augustinians describe the pope’s commitment to physical activity not as a hobby separated from his spiritual life, but as an extension of it. The tradition of St. Augustine emphasizes discipline, balance and the development of healthy habits, principles that Leo continues to apply even while occupying one of the world’s most demanding positions.
The pope’s connection to Augustine was prominently displayed during his visit to Algeria earlier this year. During the trip, Leo made a pilgrimage to the archaeological site associated with the influential fifth-century theologian, who spent much of his life in North Africa and produced writings that remain foundational to Christian thought and Western philosophy.
For Leo, Augustine’s teachings continue to serve as a guide for modern life. Clergy members familiar with the pope’s outlook say he frequently emphasizes the importance of cultivating an interior life marked by reflection, self-discipline and personal growth, values that he believes are increasingly important in a fast-paced and often distracted world.
That philosophy extends into his personal schedule. The pope often spends Mondays and Tuesdays at the papal retreat in Castel Gandolfo, where he can temporarily step away from the intense pace of Vatican life. There, he plays tennis with his secretary, Monsignor Edgard Iván Rimaycuna Inga, while also making time for swimming and horseback riding.
The activities provide a rare opportunity for physical exercise and relaxation amid a schedule packed with meetings, liturgical celebrations, diplomatic engagements and international travel.
Long before becoming pope, Leo was known among friends and fellow clergy for his enthusiasm for tennis. During his years as Cardinal Robert Prevost, he spoke openly about his enjoyment of the sport and described himself as an amateur player eager to return to the court whenever possible.
His opportunities to play diminished during his years of missionary service in Peru and later while leading the Vatican’s influential Dicastery for Bishops. Even so, tennis remained one of his favorite pastimes and a consistent part of his personal identity.
This week, Leo reinforced his support for sports by releasing a video message highlighting athletics as a powerful force for peace, understanding and personal development. The pope described sports as a means of bringing people together across cultural, political and national divisions.
He emphasized that success is rarely achieved in isolation and argued that athletic competition teaches respect, cooperation and perseverance. According to Leo, sports should foster fraternity and human connection rather than hostility or exclusion.
His message resonated with many figures in the sporting world. Among them was Marin Čilić, the 2014 U.S. Open champion, who welcomed the pope’s enthusiasm for tennis and praised the game for its ability to challenge players both physically and mentally.
Tennis has long been regarded as one of the most psychologically demanding sports. Unlike team competitions, players must often manage pressure, setbacks and momentum shifts largely on their own. Success frequently depends as much on mental resilience as on physical ability.
Those who know Leo say the lessons of tennis align closely with his spiritual outlook. The sport rewards patience, concentration and discipline while punishing carelessness and self-inflicted mistakes. These qualities mirror many of the virtues emphasized in Augustinian teachings, particularly the importance of self-awareness and personal responsibility.
The pope’s commitment to maintaining physical health is also practical. At 70 years old, Leo oversees an institution that operates on a global scale and requires constant travel, public appearances and decision-making.
His responsibilities include presiding over major religious ceremonies attended by thousands of worshippers, holding private and public audiences, delivering speeches and conducting diplomatic meetings with world leaders. International trips often involve long flights, demanding schedules and multiple events in a single day.
Earlier this year, the pope completed an extensive tour of Africa that covered approximately 17,700 kilometers, or roughly 11,000 miles, and required 18 flights over an 11-day period. The journey highlighted the physical demands that accompany the modern papacy.
Observers note that Leo’s strong voice, stamina and ability to maintain an intense schedule are aided by his dedication to fitness. Public appearances frequently require him to spend hours standing, greeting visitors, celebrating Mass and delivering lengthy addresses.
Before becoming pope, he also maintained a structured exercise routine at a gym near the Vatican. His workouts typically included cardiovascular training on treadmills and exercise bikes, with additional focus on posture, endurance and overall fitness. Sessions often lasted up to an hour and were tailored to maintaining long-term health and mobility.
Those familiar with his routine say that his approach reflects a broader belief that spiritual leadership cannot be separated from physical well-being. Maintaining strength, energy and endurance enables him to fulfill his responsibilities more effectively.
The pope’s lifestyle has also generated renewed interest in the Augustinian order itself. For many Catholics, Leo’s election has provided a new opportunity to learn about the teachings and traditions of Augustine, whose emphasis on lifelong growth continues to influence Christian spirituality centuries after his death.
Augustinian thought encourages individuals to strive continually for improvement rather than becoming satisfied with their current state. Followers are taught to pursue growth in mind, body and spirit while recognizing that personal development is an ongoing process.
Supporters of the pope say these principles are evident in the way he approaches both leadership and personal life. Whether on a tennis court, during a diplomatic mission or while leading worship in St. Peter’s Basilica, Leo presents the same message: discipline, perseverance and self-improvement are essential parts of a meaningful life.
As his papacy continues to develop, his combination of athletic enthusiasm, spiritual reflection and commitment to healthy living has become an unexpected hallmark of his leadership. For many observers, Pope Leo XIV represents a modern image of the papacy—one that embraces both the physical and spiritual dimensions of human life while drawing inspiration from traditions that date back more than 1,500 years.
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