Pope Francis Calls for Olympic Truce Amid Global Conflicts

As the Paris Olympic Games commence, Pope Francis has called on nations to observe a truce in conflicts worldwide.

In his July 21 Angelus address, the Pope highlighted the ancient tradition of the Olympic Truce, hoping it would demonstrate “a sincere will for peace.”

The Pope praised the social power of sport, capable of uniting people from diverse backgrounds peacefully. He urged athletes to be “messengers of peace and valuable models for the young,” stressing the role of the Olympics in fostering an inclusive world.

Pope Francis also acknowledged the athletes’ efforts, recognizing that their participation is not just about competition but also about promoting “the possibility of a more fraternal humanity.”

He concluded with a prayer for peace, especially for conflict-ridden nations like Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, and Myanmar.

Athletica Vaticana, the Vatican’s athletic association, echoed this call in a July 24 open letter. They emphasized the significance of the truce, noting that “wars, tensions and injustices” cloud this year’s games.

The association encouraged athletes to embody values such as “passion, inclusion, fraternity, team spirit, loyalty, redemption, commitment, and sacrifice.” 

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