The Pope has said that he will be following the upcoming Olympics in China "with great fondness" and said that the games should be an example of human dignity and peaceful coexistence.

Speaking to several thousand people in northern Italy, where he is on a two week holiday, Pope Benedict said, "I am following this great sporting event, the most important and anticipated on the world level, with great fondness."

The Pope sent greetings to China, in spite of the fact that the Chinese Government refuses to allow Catholics to recognise his authority.

Pope Benedict also said that he wanted to send greetings to the organisers of the Olympics and the athletes taking part, and said he hoped they would all do their best to make the Games a success, according to The Guardian.

He said, "I hope they offer the international community a valid example of co-existence among people of different backgrounds in the respect of mutual dignity.

"May sport once again be a symbol of fraternity and peace among peoples."

The opening ceremony of the Olympics will be held on Friday 8 August and will be attended by a Catholic bishop from Hong Kong.

China and the Vatican broke of diplomatic ties two years after the communist takeover of China in 1949. Pope Benedict has indicated he would like to move towards restoring ties.

China says, however, that in order to restore ties the Vatican must break its relations with Taiwan.