“Yesterday the Paralympic Games opened in Tokyo. I address my greetings to the athletes and thank them because they offer to all a testimony of hope and courage,” declared Pope Francis at the end of his catechesis delivered in the Paul VI room of the Vatican, August 25, 2021.
These paralympians “show how commitment to sport can overcome seemingly insurmountable difficulties,” he said.
The Paralympic Games are taking place from August 24 to September 5, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. Almost 4,400 athletes are participating with 22 sports represented.
Remembering the Amatrice earthquake five years ago
The Argentine pontiff also took advantage of the moment at the end of the audience to address the faithful in Montegallo, an Italian town affected by an earthquake five years ago. “Dear brothers and sisters, your presence gives me the opportunity to turn my thoughts to the victims and the communities of central Italy, in particular Accumoli and Amatrice, who suffered the harsh consequences of this seismic event,” he said.
“With the concrete help of the institutions, we have to demonstrate the ‘renaissance’ without letting mistrust set in. I urge everyone to move forward with hope. Have courage!” concluded the head of the Catholic Church, before addressing, as usual, his thoughts “to the elderly, the sick, the young and the newlyweds.”
