LES COMBES, Italy — Pope Benedict XVI has sent his greetings to riders and organizers of the Tour de France and told them that commitment in sports must always be accompanied by the respect of moral values.

The pope sent his message to the Tour participants on Tuesday because they will cross into Italy and pass near the Alpine village where he is vacationing.
Benedict said in his message that sports can contribute to a person’s growth and should always respect moral and educational values.
The pope, who fractured his right wrist during a fall last week, is scheduled to remain in Les Combes, a mountain retreat overlooking Mont Blanc, until July 29.