Papal message for Olympics

August 04, 2016

At the conclusion of his August 3 general audience, Pope Francis read out a message for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, which begin on August 5 in Rio de Janeiro.

“In a world thirsting for peace, tolerance, and reconciliation, I hope that the spirit of the Olympic Games inspires all – participants and spectators – to ‘fight the good fight’ and finish the race together (cf. 2 Tim 4,7-8), desiring to obtain as a prize, not a medal, but something much more precious:  the construction of a civilization in which solidarity reigns and is based upon the recognition that we are all members of the same human family, regardless of the differences of culture, skin color, or religion,” the Pope said.

He added:

And for all Brazilians, who with their joy and characteristic hospitality have organized the ‘Feast of Sport,’ I hope that this will be an opportunity to overcome difficult moments and commit themselves to working as a team to build a more just and safe country, betting all on a future full of hope and joy. May God bless you all!

 

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Further information:

• L’Udienza Generale (Holy See Press Office)
• Pope Francis' message for Rio Olympics: 'fight the good fight' (Vatican Radio)