With the Winter Olympic Games due to be inaugurated on Friday, Pope Francis expressed his gratitude for North and South Korea's joint procession.
POPE FRANCIS
“This gesture enables us to dream of a world in which conflicts are resolved peacefully through dialogue and mutual respect, as is also taught in sports.”
The pope has sent his blessing to organizers and participants and says he hopes the Olympics will aid in peacebuilding.
POPE FRANCIS
“I renew the Holy See's commitment to supporting any initiative in favor of peace and encounter between people. May these Olympics be a grand celebration of friendship and sports!”
For the first time in history, an official Vatican delegation has participated in the meeting of the International Olympic Committee. The Holy See's group is headed by Melchor Sánchez de Toca and will also attend the opening ceremony, though no Vatican athlete will participate in the Games.
