Pope Francis attends a meeting with participants of the 50th Social Week of Catholics in Italy, in Trieste, Italy, July 7. Pope Francis on Sunday expressed his hope that the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris will provide an opportunity for countries at war to respect an ancient Greek tradition and establish a truce for the duration of the Games. Alessandra Tarantino/AP File Photo

The Pope stressed that sport has “great social power”

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis on Sunday expressed hope that the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris will offer countries at war an opportunity to respect an ancient Greek tradition and establish a truce for the duration of the Games.

“According to an ancient tradition, the Olympic Games should be an opportunity to bring about a ceasefire in wars, thus demonstrating a sincere will for peace,” Francis said during his Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square.

The Pope stressed that sport also “has great social power, which can unite people of different cultures in a peaceful way.”

The opening ceremony of the 33rd Olympic Games will take place in Paris on Friday. 205 delegations of athletes will participate, parading on the Seine in over 80 boats.

“I hope that this event can be a sign of the inclusive world we want to build and that the athletes, with their sporting testimonies, can be messengers of peace and valuable models for youth,” Francis added.

The Pope, as always, asked the faithful to pray for peace, referring to the ongoing conflicts around the world.

“Let us not forget the tortured Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Myanmar and many other countries at war. Let us not forget that war is a defeat,” he concluded.

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