Pope Francis inspired IOC president Bach to create refugee team

Pope Francis, who died on Monday aged 88, inspired International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach to create the Olympic refugee team, the German said in a tribute. Bach, the most powerful person in sport, said the IOC had lost “a great friend and supporter”. READ: The beautiful game: Pope Francis’ passion for football However, it

This photo taken and handout on January 23, 2025 by The Vatican Media shows Pope Francis during a private audience with Thomas Bach, the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), in The Vatican. (Photo by Handout / VATICAN MEDIA / AFP) Pope Francis , who died on Monday aged 88, inspired International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach to create the Olympic refugee team, the German said in a tribute. Bach, the most powerful person in sport, said the IOC had lost “a great friend and supporter”.

READ: The beautiful game: Pope Francis’ passion for football However, it was his support for refugees which had left the greatest mark. “His powerful voice in support of refugees is a shining example of his commitment, and it inspired me to create the first-ever refugee Olympic team for the Olympic Games Rio 2016,” Bach said in a statement. 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. R.I.

P. – IOC President Thomas..

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com/NbAi59f7Cl — IOC MEDIA (@iocmedia) April 21, 2025 “He has graciously followed and supported this initiative throughout three Olympic Games editions, encouraging its growth and impact. “This ongoing encouragement also led to the creation of the Olympic Refuge Foundation in 2017.” READ: Pope Francis praises Pyeongchang Olympics as bridge to peace Bach, who steps down in June and will be succeeded by Zimbabwean Kirsty Coventry, was grateful for Pope Francis’ support throughout his 12-year papacy.

“His support for the peace and solidarity mission of the Olympic Games and the refugee initiatives of the IOC has been unwavering,” said Bach. Subscribe to our daily newsletter By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy .

“I got to know His Holiness as a very pensive intellectual who was humble and had a very good sense of humour.” “His deep passion for sport and the Olympic values was always obvious,” added the 71-year-old..