The International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) extends its deepest sorrow on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis (1936–2025) and offers its heartfelt condolences to the global Catholic community.

IOC Presidential Tribute
We join the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in mourning a dear friend of sport. Today, IOC President Thomas Bach conveyed the sporting world’s profound sense of loss, recalling the Pope’s steadfast support for the Olympic Movement. In 2013, His Holiness was honored with the Olympic Order in Gold at the Vatican for “recognizing the power of sport to uplift young people” and for his lifelong commitment to peace.

Champion of Faith and Sport
Pope Francis shattered barriers of faith and culture, embodying peace, compassion, and unity. Under his guidance, the Vatican convened the inaugural “Sport at the Service of Humanity” conference in October 2016—with the Pontifical Council for Culture, the United Nations, and the IOC—to explore sport’s role in fostering social development. In September 2022, he presided over the “Sport for All: Cohesive, Accessible and Tailored to Each Person” summit, reaffirming sport as a universal instrument of inclusion and human formation.

A Legacy of Compassion and Justice
His Holiness passed away at 7:35 a.m. CEST on Monday, 21 April 2025, at Casa Santa Marta in Vatican City. He leaves behind a legacy defined by humility, compassion, and an unwavering advocacy for the poor, justice, and peace.

A Lifelong Sports Enthusiast
A devoted supporter of Club Atlético San Lorenzo de Almagro, the Pope grew up cherishing football and later embraced basketball as a young man. He believed passionately that sport builds bridges, fosters dialogue, and unites people across every divide.

Values of Sport and Life
In a 2021 interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pope Francis reflected on sport’s core virtues—honesty, sacrifice, inclusion, and team spirit. “Without rules, there’s anarchy,” he warned, celebrating honest competition as a true mirror of life’s victories and defeats. He often reminded us that sport “trains not only the body but the heart,” famously urging, “Better a clean defeat than a dirty victory.”

IFMA President’s Message
Dr Sakyche Tapsuwan, IFMA President, observed:

“May we carry forward His Holiness’s spirit — with passion, with heart, and always in the service of others.”