Pope Benedict XVI Blog

Winter Olympics are 'building block of peace and friendship,' declares Pope Benedict

Vatican City, Feb 4, 2010 / 10:53 am (CNA).- In a letter to the Archbishop of Vancouver, the Holy Father expressed his happiness for the occasion of the 21st Winter Olympic Games and the 10th Paralympic Winter Games to be celebrated between February and March.

The Pope noted the importance of the event for everyone involved and recalled the words of John Paul II, who said that sport "can make an effective contribution to peaceful understanding between people and to establishing the new civilization of love."

With those words in mind, Pope Benedict added, "may sport always be a valued building block of peace and friendship between people and nations."

The Holy Father also referred to the "More Than Gold" initiative in his message and prayed that all those who make use of the spiritual and material assistance the effort provides for the games "will be confirmed in their love of God and neighbor."
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See also:

VIS-Press release, "Telegram for Winter Olympics in Canada."

From Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics, "Pope wishes good luck to Winter Olympic athletes"

From ABC News, "Pope Sends His Wishes for Peaceful Olympics"

posted by Dr. Denice Hanley, DPM, M.Div. @ 11:03 AM