Pope Francis writes letter to refugee Olympic team: 'I wish your courage serve as a cry for peace and solidarity'

'Your experience serves as testimony and benefits us all'

Pope Francis has written a letter extending his support to members of the refugee team who are competing at the 2016 Olympic Games.

The Pontiff sent the letter, written in Spanish, at the end of July as teams from across the world prepared to travel to the Olympic village in Rio, Brazil.

Francis addressed the letter to all 10 members of the refugee team, the first of its kind to ever be assembled for the Olympics. They are: Rami Anis, a swimmer from Syria, Yiech Pur Biel, a sprinter from South Sudan, James Nyang Chiengjiek, a sprinter from South Sudan, Yonas Kinde, a runner from Ethipia, Anjelina Nadai Lohalith, a runner from South Sudan, Rose Nathike Lokonyen, a sprinter from South Sudan, Paulo Amotun Lokoro, Yusra Mardini, a swimmer from Syria, Popole Misenga a judoka from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Yolande Bukasa Mabika, a judoka from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Mardini has enjoyed widespread support since qualifying for the team. Each member of the team has an incredible story, but the 19-year-old’s is particularly remarkable in that she and her sister helped save the lives of 20 refugees by pushing and pulling their boat to safety for three hours in open water when the motor failed.

She won her heat in the women’s 100m butterfly but failed to qualify for the finals. She will compete in the women’s 100m freestyle heats on Wednesday.

Anis will compete in the men’s 100m freestyle heats today and the men’s 100m butterfly heats on Thursday.

“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,” Francis wrote.

”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.”

He signed the letter: “In brotherhood, Francis.”