In the square in front of Notre Dame Cathedral, representatives of major religions gathered this morning (August 4) alongside the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, to celebrate the ideals of peace and brotherhood.
“In the true Olympic spirit, I invite you all, whatever your faith, to join the athletes in this call for peace,” Thomas Bach began at the gathering.
“Share this call for peace in all your communities,” volunteers from the Olympic Village’s multi-religious center and celebrities, including the president of the organizing committee of the Games, Tony Estanguet, and the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, urged. “Let the billions of sports enthusiasts and faith lovers come together,” they added.
“May we live collectively and sustainably in a brotherhood like today. Let us rediscover the common laughter that speaks of the happiness of souls and hearts,” said the Chief Rabbi of France, Haïm Korsia.
“When the soul remains closely connected to the body, it undoubtedly allows the best expression of the self,” said Philippe Marsset, Auxiliary Bishop of Paris.
“These moments of fraternity, exchanges with athletes, staff, and among ourselves, across different faiths, are quite extraordinary,” said Najat Benali, President of the Paris Mosques.
“I haven’t followed the news for a week. I don’t want to be infected by bad news because we are experiencing something truly wonderful. I really hope this spirit will endure,” she added.
“Once we’re in the Village, the fatigue just disappears,” confirmed Abubakar, a Muslim volunteer from the multi-religious center, who attended the meeting.
Being in the Village “is a bit like going on a pilgrimage. You see people from all nations, and it brings joy,” he added.
“When athletes and their spectators act as true competitors rather than adversaries, they inspire all of humanity,” said Lama Jigme Thrinle Gyatso, co-chair of the Buddhist Association of France.
The meeting took place at the initiative of Thomas Bach. An interfaith meeting for the Paris Olympics was first organized in 1924 at the request of Pierre de Coubertin.
