Introduction to Pope Francis’ Relationship with the Olympic Movement
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) expressed its sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis on Monday at the age of 88. The Pontiff was a steadfast advocate for the Olympic Movement, and his deep passion for sports and Olympic values was always evident.
Pope Francis’ Recognition and Awards
In 2013, Pope Francis was awarded the Olympic Golden Order during a ceremony in the Vatican, recognizing his understanding of the positive impact sports can have on young people and his desire to build peace. The IOC praised him for these qualities in their official statement.
Tributes from IOC President Thomas Bach
IOC President Thomas Bach also mourned the loss of “a great friend and supporter” of the Olympic Movement. He highlighted Pope Francis’ unwavering support for the Juegos Olímpicos’ mission of peace and solidarity, as well as his backing for the IOC’s initiatives aiding refugees.
Bach’s Personal Reflections on Pope Francis
Bach described the late Pontiff as “a very reflective, humble intellectual with a great sense of humor.” He expressed eternal gratitude for the inspiration, encouragement, and support Pope Francis provided to the Olympic Movement during their meetings.
Pope Francis’ Influence on Olympic Initiatives
Bach recalled the strong support Pope Francis offered for the Olympic Games and their mission to build a better world through sports. He specifically mentioned the Pontiff’s powerful advocacy for refugees, which inspired Bach to establish the first Olympic Refugee Team for the 2016 Rio Games. Pope Francis’ continuous support led to the creation of the Olympic Refuge Foundation in 2017.
Pope Francis’ Support for Paris 2024
In the lead-up to Paris 2024, Pope Francis expressed his joy at welcoming the entire world and praised the power of these Olympic Games to unite the globe. He emphasized that sports could offer opportunities for genuine expressions of brotherhood, which the world urgently needs.
Final Audiences and Messages of Peace
During his last private audience with IOC President Bach in January of this year, Pope Francis congratulated and thanked the IOC for transmitting messages of solidarity and peace through the Juegos Olímpicos de París 2024. He joined the Olympic Movement’s call for peace.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was Pope Francis? Pope Francis, whose full name is Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the head of the Catholic Church from 2013 until his passing on Monday at age 88.
- Why was Pope Francis relevant to the Olympic Movement? Pope Francis was a devoted supporter of the Olympic Movement, recognizing the positive impact sports and Olympic values have on young people and promoting peace.
- What initiatives did Pope Francis support? He notably backed the IOC’s efforts to aid refugees, which inspired the creation of the Olympic Refugee Team and the Olympic Refuge Foundation.
- How did Pope Francis view the Paris 2024 Olympic Games? In the lead-up to Paris 2024, Pope Francis expressed his enthusiasm for the Games’ potential to unite the world and foster genuine expressions of brotherhood.
