The upcoming Rio de Janeiro Olympics should inspire people around the world to show more solidarity and understanding towards each other, Pope Francis said in a message Wednesday.
"In a world that is longing for peace, tolerance and reconciliation, I hope that the spirit of the Olympic Games may inspire everybody, participants and spectators, to fight the good fight and finish together the race," Francis said, paraphrasing from the Bible.
He said the aim should not be "a medal, but something much more precious: reaching a civilization in which solidarity reigns, based on the recognition that we are all part of the same human family, regardless of differences in culture, skin colour or religion."
Francis also praised hosting Brazilians "for their joy and trademark hospitality" and said he hoped the Olympics can help them "overcome difficult times" and work together "to build a fairer and more just country, banking on a future full of hope and joy."
