Pope Benedict XVI’s Message to the Participants of 2010 Winter Olympics

(February 04, 2010) Pope Benedict XVI has sent his greetings to the XXI Winter Olympic Games and the X Paralympic Winter Games to be held in the territory of the Archdiocese of Vancouver and the Diocese of Kamloops, Canada from 12 to 28 February 2010. In his letter to the Archbishop of Vancouver, the Pontiff extended his good wishes to the participating athletes, the organizers and the many community volunteers who are generously cooperating in the celebration of the significant international event. Recalling the homily of his predecessor Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict said that such an important occurrence for both athletes and spectators allows him to recall how sport “can make an effective contribution to peaceful understanding between peoples and to establishing the new civilization of love”. In this light, the Pope said “may sport always be a valued building block of peace and friendship between peoples and nations. I also note the ecumenical initiative More Than Gold, intended to provide spiritual and material assistance to visitors, participants and volunteers alike. I pray that all who avail themselves of this service will be confirmed in their love of God and neighbour.” This is the third winter Olympics organised by Canada to be held in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The previous Winter Olympics were held in Turin Italy in 2006.