Pope sends greetings to Tour de France, calls for respect of moral values in sports

Pope sends greetings to Tour de France

LES COMBES, Italy — Pope Benedict XVI has sent his greetings to the Tour de France, saying commitment in sports must always be accompanied by respect for moral values.

The pope made his remarks to the riders and organizers Tuesday when the race heads to Italy and passes near the Alpine village where he is vacationing.

The pope broke his right wrist during a fall last week. He is scheduled to remain in Les Combes, a mountain retreat overlooking Mont Blanc, until July 29.