In a message addressed to the Archbishop of Paris (France), Bishop Laurent Ulrich, Pope Francis has expressed his wish that the celebration of the Olympic Games promotes world peace, which is “seriously threatened”, following the tradition of the ancient world of establishing a truce during competitions.
“In these turbulent times in which world peace is seriously threatened, I fervently hope that everyone respects this truce in the hope of resolving conflicts and restoring harmony,” says the Pontiff.
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Pope Francis has also stressed that the Olympic Games can constitute “a meeting place for peoples, even the most hostile” and an occasion to break down prejudices, foster esteem where there is contempt and distrust, and friendship where there is hatred.
“The Olympic Games are, by their very nature, peace, not war,” he proclaimed, while pointing out that “the five interlocking rings represent the spirit of brotherhood that should characterize the Olympic event and sporting competition in general.” .
In a national key, the Pontiff has expressed that he hopes that the organization of the Olympic Games “will provide the people of France with a magnificent opportunity for fraternal harmony that will allow differences and oppositions to be overcome and reinforce the unity of the nation.”
Addressing the Catholic Church on pilgrimage in France, he encouraged them “to open, above all, the doors of their hearts, bearing witness, with the gratuitousness and generosity of their welcome to all, of the Christ who dwells in them and who communicates his joy.”
Sport, a universal language
Pope Francis has reflected on sporting activity as “a universal language that transcends borders, languages, races, nationalities and religions; It has the ability to bring people together, to foster dialogue and mutual acceptance; It encourages people to improve themselves, encourages the spirit of sacrifice, favors loyalty in interpersonal relationships; invites people to recognize their own limits and the value of others.”
Nicholas de Cardenas
Born in 1980, I am a Spanish husband and father and journalist with more than 20 years of experience in print and digital media, specializing in sociopolitical and religious information. I have worked for more than 10 years in defense of human rights and have accreditations in Journalism and Comprehensive Communication. Since July 2022, I have been a correspondent for ACI Prensa and EWTN Noticias in Spain, covering international events of the Catholic Church.