SW News: Pope Francis delivered a statement on April 18 inviting French Catholics to participate in the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, which he called a "joy to welcome the world" and an "authentic expression of fraternity."

The Summer Olympics will be hosted in Paris, as well as in 16 other towns in metropolitan France and on the French Polynesian island of Tahiti, from July 26 to August 11, 2024.

The pope's message, delivered by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, asked for the Olympics to be "an occasion for a profound and fruitful encounter between people from all walks of life, belonging to different peoples, cultures, and religions."

The Pope said that bringing the globe to France for the Games is both a "joy and a responsibility."

"You will be invited to volunteer, to open your churches, schools, and homes," the Pope added, inviting French Catholics to help make the event a success. "Open your hearts," he urged.

He went on to explain that the faithful's generous hospitality and unselfish devotion would provide witness to the Christ who dwells in them and brings them delight.

After everything was said and done, Pope Francis urged French Catholics to find ways to include the disabled, poor, and marginalized in this major athletic event.