On Monday, April 21, 2025, the world received the sad news of the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88. All over the world, moments of the Holy Pontiff have been remembered and in the sporting world it has been no exception. Even in boxing, where Julio Cesar Chavez himself was involved in this anecdote.
This peculiar event between Pope Francis and the “Cesar of Boxing” took place in May 2018, thanks to a video link where the main activity was centered on the Ring Central Gym in Mexico City, where several young boxers were about to start their courses and Julio Cesar Chavez managed to schedule a blessing from the Holy Pope, who was in the Holy See.
The moment Pope Francis burst out laughing at Julio Cesar Chavez
After achieving the video link from Mexico City to the Vatican, the great Mexican champion thanked the time spent to offer them the blessing at the beginning of the boxing program led by Julio Cesar Chavez.
“Thank you Pope Francis for supporting this beautiful sport that is boxing that keeps young people away from alcohol and addictions.” said the Mexican champion.
Subsequently, Chavez proceeded to allow the Holy Father to begin with the blessing for the young people who attended the place.
“Pope Francis, I want you to give us the blessing, please, so that we can all get rid of the devil,” Chavez concluded and after the comment, it was observed how the Holy Father burst out laughing to the delight of all those present.
Pope Francis and his faithful support for sport
In his walk, the pontiff was able to have contact with Mexico and the world of sports, receiving jerseys from Mexican soccer teams. “May God bless you and accompany you in this project, in this path, always make you look at the horizon, without mirages, as it is,” said Jorge Mario Bergoglio, his birth name before his papacy.
The figure of Pope Francis that he shared during his life, demonstrated his great love for humanity, leading the Catholic Church for almost 12 years. Of Argentine origin, he was a great fan of the San Lorenzo de Almagro team, but also a faithful devotee of the Argentine national team, who could not watch the coronation of the Albiceleste on TV, once he promised to live his life without watching television.
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