It is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to a cherished patron saint: Pope Francis and his legacy in ID-Judo.

It is with great sadness and deep respect that we, the International Federation of Legal Representatives of People with Intellectual and Cognitive Disabilities (IFoN.World), bid farewell to a person who played a special, unforgettable role in the history of ID judo: the Pope.

It is understood that his personal blessing of the historic first World Para-Judo (ID) Championships in Cologne in 2017 was not just a symbolic act, but a powerful sign of worldwide recognition, protection and support for our athletes. It is believed that he placed all ID judoka in the world under his special protection as a spiritual leader, moral authority and someone who deeply felt and defended the dignity of every human being, regardless of impairment.

This Pope was more than just a supporter: he was a patron saint of our movement, a pioneer of inclusion, a true ally in the vision of a just and equal world for people with intellectual disabilities.

We are extremely grateful to him, and we will do our best to continue his legacy. We will endeavour to honour him by always giving our best in every fight on the mat, in every step on the road to recognition, and in every smile of our athletes.

With gratitude and deepest sympathy,

Klaus Gdowczok

President of the IFoN.World