Pope: Peace, seriously threatened, needs Paris Olympic truce

Salvatore Cernuzio – Vatican City

An opportunity to “overcome differences and antagonisms” and “strengthen the unity of the nation”; an opportunity to “break down prejudices, to foster respect where there is contempt and mistrust, and to promote friendship where there is hatred.” The Pope has great hopes and high expectations for the Paris Olympic Games, to be held in the French capital from July 26 to August 11. “By their very nature, they bring peace, not war,” Francis wrote in a message to Metropolitan Archbishop Laurent Ulrich.

Olympic truce

A wise tradition, that of truce, which was established in the ancient world and which is imperative in this age scarred by conflicts: “In this difficult time, when peace in the world is seriously threatened, I sincerely hope that everyone will respect this truce. In the hope of resolving conflicts and restoring harmony,” says the Pope, reiterating the call already expressed in the preface to the book “L’anima delle Olympiadi e delle Paralympiadi”, published by Lev 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 conscience of rulers about the grave responsibilities that lie upon them, may he grant the peacemakers success in their efforts and bless them.”

Open the doors of churches, homes and hearts

In the letter, Pope Francis invokes God’s gifts for all those who, as athletes or spectators, will take part in the sporting event, and support and blessings for those who will welcome them, “especially for the faithful in Paris and beyond”. “I know that Christian communities are preparing to open the doors of their churches, schools and homes. Above all, let them open the doors of their hearts, bear witness to Christ who lives in them and communicate their joy through their gratitude and generosity of welcome to everyone” – wrote the Pope, underlining that he greatly appreciates that the most vulnerable are not forgotten, “especially those who find themselves in very precarious situations.”

Overcome differences and conflicts

The Pope wishes that “the holding of these Games will provide the French people with a wonderful opportunity for fraternal harmony, which will overcome differences and oppositions and strengthen the unity of the nation.”

“Sport – Francis said – is a universal language that transcends borders, languages, races, nationalities and religions; it has the ability to unite people, fostering dialogue and mutual acceptance; it stimulates the development of the human spirit; it encourages people to improve themselves, encourages a spirit of sacrifice and fosters loyalty in interpersonal relationships; it encourages people to recognize their own limits and the value of others;

Get to know people, even the most hostile ones

If they are truly “sports,” then the Olympic Games can indeed be “an extraordinary meeting place between peoples, even the most hostile ones,” Francis says, noting the famous logo with five interlocking rings, which, he writes, represents “the spirit of brotherhood” that should characterize the Olympic event and sports competition in general.

Break down hatred and prejudice

Concluding his message, the Pope expressed his wish that “the Olympic Games in Paris become an indispensable occasion for all those who come from all over the world to discover and appreciate each other, to break down prejudices, to foster respect where there is contempt and mistrust, and friendship where there is hatred”.