This Sunday, Pope Francis expressed hope that the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris will give warring countries the opportunity to respect ancient Greek traditions and reach a truce.
“According to ancient tradition, the Olympic Games are an opportunity to establish a truce in wars, demonstrating a sincere desire for peace,” Francis said during the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.
The Pope also stressed that sport also has “great social power, capable of peacefully uniting people of different cultures.”
The opening ceremony of the 33rd Olympic Games will take place in Paris on July 26 with the participation of 205 delegations of athletes who will parade on more than 80 boats along the Seine.
“I hope that this event can be a sign of the inclusive world we want to build and that athletes, with their sporting achievements, can become ambassadors of peace and valuable models for young people,” Francisco added.
The Pope, as always, called on the faithful to pray for peace, mindful of the conflicts occurring around the world.
“Let us not forget the martyrs of Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Myanmar (formerly Burma) and many other countries in a state of war. Let us not forget that war is defeat,” the Pope emphasized.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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