In preparation for the 2024 Olympics, Pope Francis writes to Catholics in France, hailing sports for providing chances for people to interact and foster a sense of unity. He has also invited French Catholics to take part in the event. Pietro Parolin, the Cardinal Secretary of State, signed and delivered the Pope's message on Tuesday.

Along with 16 other towns in metropolitan France and Tahiti, an island in French Polynesia, Paris will host the 33rd Summer Olympics from July 26 to August 11, 2024.

In his letter, Pope Francis expressed his hope that the Olympics will provide an opportunity for profound and fruitful interactions between people from all walks of life and from other peoples, cultures, and religions.

The Pope stated that welcoming everyone around the world to France for the Games should be both a "joy" and a "responsibility."

He asked Catholics in France to work together to make the one-of-a-kind event memorable for all individuals. "You will be invited to become volunteers, to open your churches, schools, and homes," the Pope stated.

The most essential thing, he continued, is for everyone to greet one another with open hearts. This way, all of France's Catholics can "bear witness to Christ, who lives in you and who shares His joy with you."

Pope Francis concluded by urging French Catholics to work towards assisting the inclusion of the poor, the marginalized, and the specially-abled in this festival of sport.

The Pope expressed his hope that the 2024 Olympic Games will provide an opportunity to witness a true manifestation of fraternity, which the world desperately needs.

He concluded his message by bestowing the Apostolic Blessing on the Olympic organizers and volunteers who will participate in the sporting event.