The head of the Catholic Church said he hopes the Olympics will offer warring nations the opportunity to respect the ancient Greek tradition and agree to a ceasefire for the duration of the Games.

"Sport has a great social strength, capable of peacefully uniting people of different cultures," he told pilgrims in St Peter's Square after his weekly Angelus prayer, ahead of the Olympics opening ceremony on Friday in Paris.

"I hope that this event can be a sign of the inclusive world that we want to build and that the athletes, with their sporting testimony, be messengers of peace and effective models for young people in particular. According to the ancient tradition, the Olympics are an occasion to establish a truce in wars, demonstrating a sincere desire for peace,” the 87-year-old said.

He mentioned the conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, Myanmar and other countries, saying "let us not forget war is a defeat”. The Pope has called on warring countries to consider an Olympic truce earlier this year, with world leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron, and G7 joining him. 

The Olympic Games run from 26 July to 11 August, followed by the Paralympic Games from 28 August to 8 September.