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The true Olympic prize is not a medal but achieving “a civilization in which solidarity reigns”. Pope Francis expressed this hope at Wednesday”s General Audience, in view of the games about to open in Rio de Janeiro. The following is a translation of the Holy Father”s salute for the Olympiad which he expressed in Italian after his greeting to the Portuguese faithful.
In a world which thirsts for peace, tolerance and reconciliation, I hope that the spirit of the Olympic Games may inspire all, participants and spectators, to fight “the good fight” and to finish the race together (cf. 2 Tim 4:7-8), hoping to obtain as a prize not a medal but something far more precious: the achievement of a civilization in which solidarity reigns, based on the recognition that we are all members of a single human family, independent of the differences in culture, skin colour or religion”. Addressing the Brazilian people specifically, the Pope said: “I hope that this may be an opportunity to overcome difficult times and to give your all to “working as a team” in order to build a safer and more just country, betting on a future full of hope and joy. May God bless you all!
