Anna 
Nearly 200 Catholic priests from across Europe gathered in Kisvárda, Hungary, for the 17th European Priests’ Futsal Championship, held from February 10 to 14. This annual tournament blends sportsmanship with spiritual reflection, uniting clergy from 14 countries for a week of competition and camaraderie.
Poland claimed victory in the tournament, defeating Slovakia in the final. Croatia secured third place, continuing its strong tradition in the event. The championship is one of the largest sporting gatherings in the Christian community, serving not only as a competition but also as a platform for priests to strengthen their connections, share pastoral experiences, and discuss their faith.
The European Priests’ Futsal Championship began in Austria in 2003, designed to foster fraternity among priests from different nations. Over the years, it has evolved into a well-established annual event hosted by various countries. Last year’s tournament took place in Poland, while Romania hosted the teams in 2023 after a pandemic-related hiatus.
This year’s event was organized by Hungary’s Greek Catholic community, led by Auxiliary Bishop László Kiss-Rigó, a former goalkeeper for Hungary’s national team. The tournament kicked off on February 10 with Archbishop Michael Wallace Banach, the Apostolic Nuncio to Hungary, present at the inauguration. The elimination rounds and final were held on February 13 at Kisvárda’s sports complex.
Teams from Albania, Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Montenegro, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, and Slovakia participated. The atmosphere was one of friendly competition and spiritual unity as players embraced their dual roles as priests and athletes.
“We are priests first and then footballers,” said Father Žinić from Croatia. “In our gatherings, the priestly atmosphere is always evident—we represent something greater than just a game.”
In addition to matches, participants engaged in daily Masses and prayer sessions. On February 12, they made a pilgrimage to the Marian shrine of Máriapócs and visited the first Greek Catholic Museum and St. Nicholas Cathedral in Nyíregyháza.
Archbishop Banach highlighted that the event was about forming deeper connections among priests. “This is a moment for you to meet and understand each other’s challenges,” he stated. “You will leave not only with medals but with strengthened faith and friendships.”
The tournament provided a much-needed break from ministry pressures amid challenges facing the Church in Europe. Father Michael Semmelmayer from Austria noted that it was an opportunity to share experiences and reaffirm belonging to a Church that transcends borders.
The championship attracted over 1,500 spectators at Hungary’s semi-final match on February 13. Thousands more followed online. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán sent a message emphasizing football’s role in evangelization.
“I once asked a missionary how best to bring children to Christ,” Orbán wrote. “He told me: ‘Throw a ball among them.’ Football brings people together.”
Father Daniel Kocsis echoed this sentiment: “A priest on the field catches people’s attention.” He emphasized that priests participating in sports show they are part of their communities.
Reflecting on the event’s impact, Bishop Kocsis expressed hope that its effects would last beyond the week of competition. “What happened here is truly special,” he said. “I pray that these days will bear lasting fruit.”
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