The Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis, aged 88, on Monday. Thomas Bach paid tribute to the man who had led the Catholic Church since 2013. With the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, We have lost a great friend and supporter of the Olympic Movement., the IOC president is moved. His support for the peace and solidarity mission of the Olympic Games and for the numerous IOC initiatives in favor of refugees was steadfast. May he rest in peace. »
With the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, we are losing a great friend and supporter of the Olympic Movement. His support for the peace and solidarity mission of the Olympic Games and the many refugee initiatives of the IOC has been unwavering. RIP - IOC President Thomas… pic.twitter.com/NbAi59f7Cl
- IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) April 21, 2025
Thomas Bach had made visit to the Pope in JanuaryThe two men then discussed the power of sport to make the world a better place, and in particular the success of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, marked by the participation of a olympique team of refugeesPope Francis had congratulated the president of the Olympic body " for all that has been done in favor of peace and solidarity ».
