The World Boxing Council (WBC) has announced a week-long period of mourning in honor of Pope Francis, whose influence extended far beyond religious boundaries. As a global leader, his advocacy for boxing and commitment to fostering peace left an indelible mark on countless lives. His blessings had transformative effects, touching the hearts of many across the world. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, he became the first Latin American pope upon his election in March 2013 following Benedict XVI's resignation. In his final Easter Sunday address, Pope Francis emphasized hope and unity among all people. After battling poor health, including a prolonged hospital stay due to pneumonia, the pontiff passed away, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and reconciliation.

An Argentine by birth, Pope Francis forged deep ties with influential figures such as Héctor and Mauricio Sulaimán from the WBC. Early in 2016, Román Rodríguez initiated discussions with Héctor regarding Scholas México, which aimed to promote education through sports, art, and technology. This collaboration led to the creation of the BoxVal (Boxing with Values) program, designed to educate individuals worldwide while promoting harmony. One of its flagship events involved organizing a symbolic "fight for peace," pitting Canelo Álvarez against Amir Khan—a Catholic versus a Muslim—highlighting boxing’s potential to convey universal values.

This initiative gained significant traction when press conferences were held in major cities like London, New York, and Los Angeles. During the weigh-in ceremony at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, where the match took place, a plaque commemorating the event was unveiled. The custom-made championship belts for these fights were crafted by Adrian Pallarols, an Argentinian artisan closely associated with Pope Francis. Under the BoxVal banner, numerous "Fights for Peace" were organized globally, further cementing the program’s mission of bridging cultural divides.

Pope Francis personally met several renowned WBC champions, including Julio César Chávez, Deontay Wilder, Sergio Martínez, and Canelo Álvarez. He consistently extended messages of encouragement and goodwill to the broader boxing community. These interactions underscored his belief in using sports as a vehicle for promoting understanding and unity among diverse groups. Through his efforts, Pope Francis exemplified how faith and athleticism could coalesce into powerful movements for social change.

As the world mourns the passing of this extraordinary figure, it is clear that Pope Francis’ vision of global solidarity endures. His contributions to both spiritual leadership and initiatives like BoxVal have inspired generations to embrace dialogue over division. May his memory continue to inspire acts of kindness and reconciliation across the globe, ensuring that his legacy thrives long after his earthly departure.