Today: 21 October 2025
22 July 2024
1 min read

Pope Francis calls for Olympic truce for countries at war

The opening ceremony of the 33rd Olympic Games will be held in Paris on July 26 with the participation of 205 delegations of athletes, who will parade on more than 80 boats on the Seine…reports Asian Lite News

Pope Francis on Sunday voiced his hope that the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games will provide an opportunity for countries at war to respect an ancient Greek tradition and establish a truce for the duration of the Games.

“According to ancient tradition, may the Olympics be an opportunity to establish a truce in wars, demonstrating a sincere will for peace,” Francis said during his Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square.

The Pope stressed that sport also has “a great social power, capable of peacefully uniting people from different cultures.”

The opening ceremony of the 33rd Olympic Games will be held in Paris on July 26 with the participation of 205 delegations of athletes, who will parade on more than 80 boats on the Seine.

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

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

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

ALSO READ-Modi Hugs Pope Francis, Extends India Visit Invite

Previous Story

EU backs ICJ ruling on ‘illegal’ Israeli occupation

Next Story

Poland calls on EU to stress ties with US

Latest from -Top News

Clearing A Mess in Gaza

Municipalities across Gaza have mobilized their limited resources to clear streets and set up temporary shelters for thousands of displaced families…reports Asian Lite News The conflict has left behind an estimated 55

Gaza, Malaysia to help Gaza Rebuild

Egyptian, Malaysian leaders discuss Gaza aid, reconstruction amid ceasefire…reports Asian Lite News Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim spoke by phone about efforts to support Gaza’s reconstruction,

Netanyahu to Run Again in 2026

When asked whether he expects to win, Netanyahu said, “Yes.”…reports Asian Lite News Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed his bid for re-election in the 2026 parliamentary polls. He made the

UK backs Egypt-led Gaza stabilisation force

Britain takes an advisory and strategic role in US-backed efforts to establish a UN-mandated international force in Gaza and guide reconstruction plans estimated at £50bn…reports Asian Lite News Britain is taking a
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Manika Batra: Lessons from Tokyo Fuel Paris Olympic Dreams

Manika played an instrumental role in the Indian women’s team

Pope calls for preserving status quo in Jerusalem

During his annual meeting with the diplomatic corps accredited to