Pope Francis has said he hopes the Paris Olympics will be an occasion for a truce in the world’s conflicts, urging athletes to be messengers of peace and models for young people.

The games commences on the 27th of July with an opening ceremony at the River Seine which will feature about 10,500 athletes and over 100 heads of state and government.

During his weekly address to the crowds in St Peter’s Square on Sunday 21st July, the pope said he hoped that “according to the ancient tradition, the Olympics will be an opportunity to establish a truce in wars, by demonstrating a sincere desire for peace”.

He acknowledged conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Myanmar, saying: “Let us not forget war is a defeat”.

Last month the final statement of a G7 leaders’ meeting held in Italy included a unanimous call for a truce in global conflicts during the Olympic Games.

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