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Pope Francis’ message to Archbishop of Paris for the olimpic games
[26 July – 11 August 2024]
“By their very nature, the Olympic Games are about peace, not war”
Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, Archbishop of Paris
I unite myself with the intentions of the Mass you are celebrating, Your Excellency, since the Olympic Games are about to be held in your city.
I ask the Lord to shower his gifts on all those who will participate in one way or another – whether athletes or spectators – and also to sustain and bless those who will welcome them, especially the faithful of 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, bearing witness to the Christ who dwells within them and who shares his joy with them, through the gratuitousness and generosity of their hospitality to all.
I am very grateful that you have not forgotten the most vulnerable, especially those in the most precarious situations, and that you have made it easier for them to participate in the celebration.
On a broader level, I hope that the organization of these Games will offer the people of France a wonderful opportunity for fraternal harmony, enabling them to overcome differences and oppositions and strengthen the unity of the nation.
I join you in welcoming this prestigious international sporting event.
Sport is a universal language that transcends borders, languages, races, nationalities and religions.
It has the capacity to unite people, to promote dialogue and mutual acceptance; it encourages encourages people to surpass themselves, it shapes the spirit of sacrifice, it fosters loyalty in human relations;
it invites people to recognize their own limits and the value of others.
The Olympic Games, if they remain truly “games”, can therefore be an exceptional meeting place between peoples, even the most hostile.
The five interconnecting rings represent the spirit of fraternity that should characterize the Olympic event and sporting competition in general.
I therefore hope that the Paris Olympic Games will be an unmissable opportunity 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.
By their very nature, the Olympic Games are about peace, not war.
It is in this spirit that the ancient world wisely established a truce during the Games, and that modern times regularly seek to revive this happy tradition.
In these troubled times, when world peace is seriously threatened, it is my fervent wish that everyone will take this truce to heart, in the hope of resolving conflicts and restoring harmony.
May God have mercy on us!
May He awaken the consciences of those in power to the grave responsibility they bear, and may He grant success and blessing to the peacemakers.
Entrusting to St. Geneviève and St. Denis, Patrons of Paris, and to Our Lady of the Assumption, Patroness of France, the happy outcome of these Games, I impart my heartfelt Blessing to you, Your Excellency, and to all those who will take part in them.
From Saint John Lateran, 27 June 2024
