Fr. Rafael Capó is a Catholic priest who has found an unexpected way to evangelize—through bodybuilding. Known as the “bodybuilding priest,” he sees the fitness world as a natural bridge to reach young people who might otherwise feel disconnected from their faith.
For many people, the fitness world of sports becomes a door to many other things that they can discover in the church. Over the years, Fr. Capó has connected with countless young people through speaking engagements across the U.S. and around the world. His passion for weightlifting began in his native Puerto Rico, where he first trained to improve in track and field. Over time, he realized how physical discipline complemented his spiritual life. “I started to come up with a theology of fitness and spirituality—how everything is connected: body, mind, spirit, and how it becomes a way to being fit for ministry, being fit for life, being fit for God’s kingdom,” he told the Catholic Review.
Ordained in 1996, Fr. Capó has served in diverse roles: teacher, high school president, campus minister, vocations director, and outreach leader for street children and immigrant youth. He currently serves as vice president of Mission at St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, guiding Catholic identity across campus life. His ministry extends online to more than 39,000 Instagram followers, where he blends workout photos, Scripture, and motivational messages. He often quotes St. Pope John Paul II: “The Church cannot but encourage everything that serves in harmoniously developing the human body.”
A devoted athlete, Fr. Capó trains six days a week, combining weightlifting and cardio with prayer and reflection. His bench press—an impressive 315 pounds—symbolizes more than strength; it’s a testament to Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” For Fr. Rafael Capó, bodybuilding isn’t just about muscle—it’s about mission: building up the Body of Christ, one rep, one conversation, and one soul at a time.
