Pope Benedict Sends Greetings to Olympics
(03 Aug 08 - RV) Pope Benedict XVI sent his greetings to the organizers and participants of the Beijing Olympics during his Sunday Angelus from Bressanone. We have this report...
Just days before the 29th Summer Olympics begin in Beijing, China, Pope Benedict said he hopes the games may offer to the international community a valid example of coexistence among people of different background in the respect of common dignity. He said he will be following the games, and asks that sports once again be a pledge of fraternity and peace among peoples.
He sent his cordial greeting. to the host country, to the organizers and participants, and most importantly, to the athletes.
The Pope was speaking after reciting the angelus from Bressanone, where he has been vacationing since July 28th. He spoke to the people gathered in the square of the city’s cathedral in three languages – Italian, German, and Ladin.
Before reciting the marian prayer, he spoke of Pope Paul VI, who died 30 years ago, on August 6th 1978.
“Wednesday, the feast of the Lord’s Transfiguration, marks the thirtieth anniversary of the death of Pope Paul VI. As we recall this great Pontiff who concluded the Second Vatican Council and guided the first phase of the post-conciliar renewal, let us give thanks for his wise teaching, his passionate love of the Church, and his desire to draw all people to the contemplation of Christ’s glory. Dear friends, during these summer holidays, may you grow closer to the Lord in prayer, and may he shed the light of his face upon you and your families!”
The Holy Father returns to the Papal Summer Residence in Castel Gandolfo on August 11th.
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