Pope Francis: The spirit of the Olympics is a remedy against war

At the opening of the Olympic Games in Paris, Pope Francis once again recalled the positive power of the sporting event. "The true Olympic and Paralympic spirit is a remedy to avoid falling into the tragedy of war and to put an end to violence," he wrote on Friday afternoon in the short message service X. "May sport build bridges, break down barriers, promote peaceful relations," said the Catholic head of the Church.

Francis had recently repeatedly urged a global ceasefire with a view to the Olympics. "While peace in the world is seriously threatened, I sincerely hope that everyone will respect the #OlympicPeace in the hope of resolving conflicts and restoring harmony," the 87-year-old also wrote on X on Thursday. The Pope had already expressed the same demand in a message on the Olympics published last Friday and at the midday prayer on Sunday in St Peter's Square.

UN resolution on the ceasefire

Other personalities have also joined the appeal, but so far without any noticeable response. French President Emmanuel Macron relied on the mediation of Chinese President Xi Jingping to persuade Russia to suspend the war against Ukraine. Despite a resolution by the UN General Assembly, Russia rejected the call for a ceasefire and spoke of the political instrumentalisation of sport. Russian athletes are only allowed to compete under a neutral flag.

Up to 10,500 participants from 204 nations will compete at the Summer Olympics from 26 July to 11 August in Paris. The Paralympic competitions will follow from 28 August to 8 September. (KNA)