Pope Francis expressed hope today that the Olympic Games in Paris will become an occasion for concluding a truce in world conflicts. He called on athletes to be messengers of peace and role models for young people, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
The Paris Olympics begin on Friday with an opening ceremony on the Seine River, which will be attended by around 10,500 athletes from different countries and over 100 heads of state and government from around the world.
During his weekly address to those gathered in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, the Pope expressed hope that "according to ancient tradition, the Olympic Games will be an opportunity to establish a truce in wars by demonstrating a sincere desire for peace".
Francis mentioned the conflicts in Ukraine, the Gaza Strip, Myanmar and other countries. "Let us not forget that war is defeat," added the Holy Father.
Last month, in the closing statement of the summit meeting of the leaders of the seven most developed economies (G-7), which was held in Italy, a call was made for an end to world conflicts during the Olympics in Paris, notes DPA .