VATICAN CITY, OCT. 20, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI received the torch that will be carried in the eighth edition of the JPII Games, a marathon-pilgrimage for peace in the Holy Land, which begins Friday.
The Pope was presented with the torch during Wednesday’s general audience.
The JPII Games includes the Peace Race from Bethlehem to Jerusalem, and a number of other sporting events.
The games conclude next Tuesday; the scheduling thus includes the liturgical feast of Blessed John Paul II, Oct. 22.
The 12-kilometer (7.5-mile) non-competitive race between Bethlehem and Jerusalem has attracted ordinary pilgrims and professional athletes. It is sponsored by the Vatican’s Opera Romana Pellegrinaggi and the Centro Sportivo Italiano.
This year a five-on-five soccer game between Israelis, Palestinians and Italians will be held near the Bethlehem checkpoint.
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