Dear brothers and sisters Rami Anis, Yiech Pur Biel, James Nyang Chiengjiek, Yonas Kinde, Anjelina Nada Lohalith, Rose Nathike Lokonyen, Paulo Amotun Lokoro, Yusra Mardini, Popole Misenga and Yolande Bukasa Mabika:
I have learned about your team and read some of your interviews so that I could get closer to your lives and your aspirations.
I extend my greetings and wish you success at the Olympic Games in Rio — that your courage and strength find expression through the Olympic Games and serve as a cry for peace and solidarity. Through you may humanity understand that peace is possible, and that with peace everything is a triumph; while with war everything is a loss.
Your experience serves as testimony and benefits us all.
I pray for you and ask that you, please, do the same for me.
God bless you.
In brotherhood,
Francisco
Read more about the refugee athletes who will be competing
And today we celebrate...