08 Aug 2004 12:18 UTC
Speaking to pilgrims at his summer residence at Castelgandolfo, outside Rome, the spiritual leader of the world's Catholics expressed hope the upcoming games are peaceful. He sent warm greetings to athletes and all others participating in the Olympics, and to the people of Athens.
The 84-year-old pope sounded hoarse during his remarks, just days before his scheduled visit to a Marian shrine at Lourdes in France. It will be the 104th foreign trip of his papacy.
Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
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Pope John Paul says he hopes the Olympic Games opening in Athens this week will help promote peace and understanding among peoples.
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Pope John Paul was an avid sportsman in his youth and has shown a keen interest in sports throughout his 25-year papacy.