Pope Francis highlighted the unifying power of sport on Sunday, urging for a global truce during the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games. Speaking to pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square after his weekly Angelus prayer, the Pope emphasized sport’s ability to bring together people of diverse cultures peacefully.
“Sport has a great social strength, capable of peacefully uniting people of different cultures,” he said, ahead of the Olympics opening ceremony in Paris on Friday.
He expressed hope that the event would symbolize the inclusive world we aim to build and that athletes would serve as messengers of peace and role models for youth.
The Pope, 87, reiterated the ancient tradition of using the Olympics to establish a truce in conflicts, reflecting a genuine desire for peace.
The Olympic Games are scheduled from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8.
