Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

By Caroline de Sury, OSV News

PARIS — As Paris prepares for the 2024 Olympic Games starting on July 26, the Olympic truce was launched at La Madeleine church in the heart of the French capital on July 19. Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris and Bishop Emmanuel Gobilliard of Digne, special representative of the Holy See for the 2024 Paris Olympics, celebrated a solemn Mass attended by over a hundred diplomatic delegations.

“Blessed is the wisdom that also presides over the Olympic spirit and dwells in our hearts as we turn to the Lord to give thanks and implore him on behalf of our world,” Archbishop Ulrich said in his homily.

Pope Francis remarked during his Angelus prayer on July 21 that sport “has a great social power, and it can peacefully unite people from different cultures.” He expressed hope that athletes “may be messengers of peace and authentic models for young people,” and that the “Olympic Games be an occasion to call for a cease-fire in wars, demonstrating a sincere desire for peace.”

The tradition of the Olympic truce dates back to ancient Greece in the ninth century B.C., established through a treaty between three kings— Iphitos of Elis, Cleosthenes of Pisa, and Lycurgus of Sparta—to ensure safe participation in the ancient Olympic Games. The concept was revived in modern times by Pierre de Coubertin and Dominican Father Henri Didon in 1896. In recent decades, it has been supported by the United Nations to promote peace through sport.

The official launch event at La Madeleine church included notable attendees such as Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and Anne Hidalgo, mayor of Paris. Archbishop Ulrich noted that while ongoing wars do not cease during the Games, “the desire for peace spreads through the encounters they make possible in these sporting events.”

Isabelle Boüan designed special chasubles for this Mass and others during the Olympics. The chasubles feature a logo with five doves representing peace. “It was really peace that was at the heart of the prayer at this Mass,” Boüan explained.

At the end of Mass, after playing the Olympic anthem on historic organs, celebrants released five doves outside La Madeleine church.

La Madeleine church will serve as headquarters for the Holy Games project initiated by the Catholic Church. One chapel has been dedicated as a spiritual center for athletes. A multifaith chaplaincy will also be available at an expansive facility north of Paris to accommodate representatives from various religions.

Bishop Gobilliard will reside in Saint-Denis' Olympic Village during this period. He shared his enthusiasm about sports being a way to connect with people: “Almost everyone is interested in sport. It is a great way to reach people.”

Parisian parishes will welcome visitors under this initiative, particularly focusing on aiding those living on streets with facilities like parish halls where they can watch games.

A "Solidarity restaurant" set up in La Madeleine's crypt will host people from all backgrounds including high-level chefs preparing meals. Athletes are invited to visit this space where homeless individuals can meet them.

Following these Olympics, Bishop Gobilliard looks forward to supporting Paralympic athletes due to his personal experience with severe injury recovery.

Reflecting on Father Didon's contribution to establishing citius, altius, fortius (faster, higher stronger) as part of modern Olympic ethos he emphasized its spiritual dimension: "For my part," he concluded,"I will be busy this summer reaching out those who love sport proclaim Christ them."