Pope’s prayers for London Olympic Games

(July 23, 2012) Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday invited prayers so that the London Olympics, starting on Friday, is able to promote world peace and friendship. “The Olympics are the greatest sporting event in the world, where athletes from any countries participate, giving it a strong symbolic value,” the Pope told pilgrims and visitors at the summer papal residence of Castel Gandolfo, just outside Rome where he is on vacation. “This is why the Catholic Church looks up to the games with particular interest and attention, the Pope said in Italian, after reciting his weekly midday ‘Angelus’ prayer with pilgrims and visitors. “Let us pray that, according to God’s will,” the London Games will be a true experience of brotherhood among the peoples of the earth,” the Pope said. Later, in remarks in English, the Pope said he was “sending greetings to the organizers, athletes and spectators alike,” and prayed that, “in the spirit of the Olympic Truce, the goodwill generated by this international sporting event may bear fruit, promoting peace and reconciliation throughout the world. The Holy Father invoked God’s abundant blessings upon all those attending the London Olympic Games.