Pope Francis on Rio Olympics: 'Fight the good fight'

Pope Francis had a message for Olympians and the people of Rio de Janeiro, urging them all to “fight the good fight.”

“In a world thirsting for peace, tolerance, and reconciliation, I hope that the spirit of the Olympic Games inspires all – participants and spectators – to fight the good fight and finish the race together,”  the Pope said during his general audience speech on Wednesday.

While athletes would love to go home with a medal, the Pope said there’s a much greater prize to be won in Rio: "The construction of a civilization in which solidarity reigns and is based upon the recognition that we are all members of the same human family, regardless of the differences of culture, skin color, or religion.”

Pope Francis also addressed Brazil specifically, a nation that has struggled financially and come under intense scrutiny hosting the Olympics.

“I hope that this will be an opportunity to overcome difficult moments and commit themselves to working as a team to build a more just and safe country, betting all on a future full of hope and joy."