photo: vaticannews.va
VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis sent a message to Archbishop Ulrich of Paris on the occasion of the Olympic Games, which will be held in the French capital from July 26 to August 11: "May they be an occasion for fraternal harmony that overcomes differences and contradictions and strengthens the unity of the nation."
Salvatore Cernuzio - Vatican City
An opportunity to "overcome differences and contradictions" and "strengthen the unity of the nation"; an opportunity "to break down prejudices, to promote respect where there is contempt and mistrust, and friendship where there is hatred". The Pope has high hopes and expectations for the Paris Olympics, which will be held in the French capital from 26 July to 11 August. They are games that "by their very nature are vehicles of peace and not of war", Francis wrote in a message sent to Metropolitan Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, who celebrated Mass at the opening of the Olympic Truce at La Madeleine Church in Paris today, Friday morning, 19 July.
Olympic Truce
The tradition of the truce, which was established in antiquity, is wise and urgently needed in this time of wounded conflict: "In these difficult times, when the peace of the world is seriously threatened, I fervently hope that all will respect this truce in the hope of resolving conflicts and restoring harmony," the Pope says, repeating the appeal he already made in the preface to the book "Games of Peace. The Soul of the Olympic and Paralympic Games", published by the Vatican Publishing House on the initiative of Athletica Vaticana.
"May God have mercy on us," he now writes in a message to Archbishop Ulrich, "may he enlighten the consciences of those in power in view of the grave responsibility that rests upon them, may he grant the peacemakers success in their efforts, and may he bless them."
To open wide the doors of churches and homes and hearts
In the letter, Pope Francis then invokes God's gifts for all those who will participate in the Olympics as athletes or spectators, and also asks for support and blessings for those who will host them, "especially the faithful in Paris and beyond."
"I know that Christian communities are preparing to open wide the doors of their churches, schools and homes. Above all, let them open the doors of their hearts and bear witness to Christ who dwells in them and transmits his joy to them, through the generosity of his welcome to all," the Pope wrote, stressing that he appreciates that the most vulnerable are not forgotten, "especially those in very difficult situations."
Overcoming differences and resistance
The Pope hopes that "the organisation of these Games will offer the French nation a wonderful opportunity for fraternal harmony, which will make it possible to overcome differences and contradictions and thus strengthen its unity".
"Sport," notes Pope Francis, "is a universal language that transcends borders, languages, races, nationalities and religions; it has the capacity to unite people, to encourage dialogue and mutual acceptance; it stimulates the development of the human spirit; it encourages self-transcendence, fosters a spirit of sacrifice and encourages loyalty in interpersonal relationships; it leads to the recognition of one's own limits and the value of others."
A meeting between feuding nations
If the Olympic Games are truly "games", they can be "an exceptional meeting place between nations, even the most hostile ones", Francis writes, looking at the famous logo with five interconnected circles, which, he adds, represent the "spirit of fraternity" that should characterise the Olympic Games and sporting events in general.
Breaking down hatred and prejudice
The Pope concludes his message by expressing his wish that "the Paris Olympics will be an unmissable opportunity for all those who come here from all over the world to discover and appreciate each other, to break down prejudices, to promote respect where there is contempt and mistrust, and friendship where there is hatred".
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