Speaking with his weekly general audience, the Pontiff urged the country to see the Olympics as an opportunity to do better.

He called on the country to aim for "a civilisation in which solidarity reigns and is based on the recognition that we are all members of the same human family, regardless of differences of culture, colour of skin or religion.

For Brazilians ... I hope this will be an opportunity to overcome difficult moments and commit themselves to working as a team to build a country that is more just and more safe," he added.

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Pope Francis also advised Brazilians to take the Olympics as a chance to improve "a world that thirsts for peace, tolerance and reconciliation."

Brazil, notorious for corruption, poverty, and crime, is set to host the 2016 Olympics games in Rio de Janeiro.

The event will begin on August 5th and end on the 21st.