The Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport (AIMS) joins the global community in profound sadness at the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis (1936–2025). We extend our deepest condolences to the Catholic faithful worldwide and honor a leader whose life embodied compassion, unity, and service.
Pope Francis was more than a spiritual guide—he was a steadfast friend of the global sporting movement. In 2013, the International Olympic Committee bestowed upon him the Olympic Order in Gold at the Vatican, celebrating his belief in sport’s unique power to inspire young people and foster peace. His Holiness understood that when athletes play with integrity and respect, they become ambassadors for harmony far beyond the field of play.
Under Pope Francis’s guidance, the Vatican became a forum for dialogue on the transformative role of sport. He inaugurated the “Sport at the Service of Humanity” conference in October 2016, uniting religious, diplomatic, and athletic leaders to explore how athletic pursuits can drive social progress. In September 2022, he convened the “Sport for All: Cohesive, Accessible and Tailored to Each Person” summit, reaffirming that every individual—regardless of background or ability—has a place on sport’s grand stage.
At 7:35 a.m. CEST on Monday, 21 April 2025, at Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis passed away after a life devoted to the poor, the marginalized, and the pursuit of peace. His legacy endures in the countless lives uplifted by his advocacy for justice, his humility in leadership, and his unwavering solidarity with those in need.
Long before his papacy, Jorge Mario Bergoglio cheered on his beloved San Lorenzo football club and played basketball in his youth. He saw sport not merely as recreation, but as a universal language—one that unites people across cultures and generations in shared purpose and camaraderie.
In a 2021 conversation with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pope Francis reminded the world that sport teaches us more than how to win: it teaches honesty, sacrifice, teamwork, and respect for rules. “Without rules, there’s anarchy,” he said, urging athletes and spectators alike to embrace fair play. His favourite maxim—“Better a clean defeat than a dirty victory”—continues to guide sportsmanship everywhere.
Stephan Fox, President of AIMS, reflected:
“Pope Francis lived what he preached—compassion in action, unity through service, and the strength of the human spirit. May we honor his memory by nurturing sport as a force for good, carrying forward his vision of a more just and peaceful world.”
