News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Refugee-Olympic-Team-main_article_image.png
Refugee Olympic Team Twitter
World News

Pope Francis sends letter of support to Olympic refugee team

by Hannah Tooley

Francis has sent the letter, written in Spanish, to members of the team who are competing in the four-yearly global competition.

The refugee team is the first of its kind to be created for the Olympics and includes ten members from countries including South Sudan, Syria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

 Mike Egerton/PA Wire

Who's in the refugee team:
1. Rami Anis, a swimmer from Syria
2. Yiech Pur Biel, a sprinter from South Sudan
3. James Nyang Chiengjiek, a sprinter from South Sudan
4. Yonas Kinde, a runner from Ethipia
5. Anjelina Nadai Lohalith, a runner from South Sudan
6. Rose Nathike Lokonyen, a sprinter from South Sudan
7. Paulo Amotun Lokoro, a runner from South Sudan
8. Yusra Mardini, a swimmer from Syria
9. Popole Misenga, a judoka from the Democratic Republic of the Congo 
10. Yolande Bukasa Mabika, a judoka from the Democratic Republic of the Congo

One of the team, Yusra Mardini, is a well-known Christian refugee after she swam for three hours in the sea to reach safety.

The 19-year-old and her sister then helped to save the lives of 20 refugees by dragging their boat to safety in open water when the motor broke down.

She will compete in the women's 100m freestyle heats on Wednesday.

Mike Egerton/PA Wire.

Vatican Radio translated the letter Pope Francis wrote: "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."

He went on: "Humanity would understand that peace is possible, that with peace everything can gained, but with war all can be lost.

"Your experience serves as testimony and benefits us all."

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate