Pope Francis on Thursday called for tranquility at the 2014 World Cup, just hours before clashes in Sao Paulo marred the run-up to the opening ceremony and the match between hosts Brazil and Croatia.
The Argentine pontiff also said he hoped the tournament could be a "festival of solidarity between peoples" as well as a festival of sport. "May this World Cup take place in total serenity and tranquility, always with reciprocal respect, in the solidarity and fraternity of the men and women who see themselves as members of a single family," Francis said in a video message in Portuguese broadcast by Brazil's Rete Globo network.
His call for tranquility came shortly before concerns that there would be repeats of protests against corruption and the huge spending on the event that hit the Confederations Cup last year came true.
Two CNN journalist were reportedly injured in clashes between police and demonstrators in Sao Paulo. Police used tear gas and rubber bullets, and made at least three arrests to break up a protest against the expense of hosting the tournament. Demonstrators, roughly 10 of whom were reported injured, were trying to march close to the stadium where the opening ceremony takes place, while further protests are planned in other cities hosting matches. Meanwhile workers at all three airports in Rio de Janeiro were staging a 24-hour strike on Thursday amid annual contract negotiations.
The opening ceremony will take place in Sao Paulo at the 68,000-seat New Corinthians Stadium.
It is expected to be a relatively short show at around 25-minutes, featuring over 600 performers.
Jennifer Lopez will perform the official World Cup song, We Are One (Ole Ola) with rapper Pitbull and Brazilian singer Claudia Leitte.
The American pop star and actress had initially said she would not take part in the ceremony because of unspecified "production issues". Italian President Giorgio Napolitano, meanwhile, called on Cesare Prandelli's Italy team to play with pride and intelligence at the World Cup. "Dear Prandelli, dear lads, in recent years that national team has give lots of satisfaction to the Italian people," the head of State wrote in an open letter published in La Gazzetta dello Sport, printed in the Azzurri's blue Thursday instead of its customary, distinctive purple to celebrate the start of the World Cup. "What I ask from you is to play with intelligence, dignity and honour, while always respecting the values of sport".
Earlier this week Napolitano said Prandelli's side should not make do with finishing in the last four at the World Cup. Italy take on England in their first match in Manaus on Saturday.
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