As the Olympic Games prepare to get underway in Rio de Janiero, Pope Francis took a moment to send a blessing and heartfelt wishes to all participants to “fight the good fight” and finish the race in solidarity with one another.

Vatican Radio is reporting on the comments made during his Wednesday audience in which Francis sent “an especially warm greeting” to the Brazilian people who are hosting athletes and “passionate fans” from all over the world for the 2016 Games.

“In a world thirsting for peace, tolerance, and reconciliation, I hope that the spirit of the Olympic Games inspires all – participants and spectators – to ‘fight the good fight’ and finish the race together,” the pope said, “desiring to obtain as a prize, not a medal, but something much more precious: the construction of a civilization in which solidarity reigns and is based upon the recognition that we are all members of the same human family, regardless of the differences of culture, skin color, or religion.”

He added: “And for all Brazilians, who with their joy and characteristic hospitality have organized the ‘Feast of Sport’, I hope that this will be an opportunity to overcome difficult moments and commit themselves to working as a team to build a more just and safe country, betting all on a future full of hope and joy. May God bless you all!”

 

© All Rights Reserved, Living His Life Abundantly®/Women of Grace®  http://www.womenofgrace.com