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Olympiad Of Solidarity

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Olympiad Of Solidarity

The true Olympic prize is not a medal but achieving “€œa 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 “€œthe 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: “€œI hope that this may be an opportunity to overcome difficult times and to give your all to “€œworking 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!

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