Pope Francis Calls for Olympic Truce and Peace
As the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games approach, Pope Francis has expressed his heartfelt wish for a truce in ongoing wars and for athletes to be messengers of peace. Speaking after the Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square, the Pope highlighted the importance of the ancient Greek tradition of establishing peace during the Olympics.
By Linda Bordoni
“According to ancient tradition, may the Olympics be an opportunity to establish a truce in wars, demonstrating a sincere will for peace,” Pope Francis emphasized.
Recognizing the social power of sports to unite people from diverse backgrounds, the Pope hoped that the Paris Games would serve as a symbol of inclusivity and harmony. He urged athletes to inspire peace and serve as role models for the youth.
The Olympic Truce
The tradition of the “Olympic Truce” dates back to ancient times when it allowed safe participation in the games despite ongoing conflicts. In the modern era, the International Olympic Committee has revived this concept to promote peace, dialogue, and reconciliation through sports.
Prayers for Peace
Pope Francis also called for prayers for countries engulfed in wars, including Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, and Myanmar. He emphasized that war is a defeat that must not be forgotten.
