The world is mourning the loss of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88. The Pope had recently survived a serious bout of double pneumonia that required 38 days of hospitalisation, however, the real cause of his death has not been disclosed. The Vatican announced his death just hours after the pontiff made his final appearance on Easter Sunday. In his last message, Pope Francis reminded people of life’s true meaning and encouraged everyone to keep hope alive, especially for peace. Tennis icon Rafael Nadal also expressed his heartfelt condolences after his demise.
His passing marks the end of a historic papacy. Pope Francis made history in 2013 by becoming the first Latin American to lead the Roman Catholic Church after his predecessor, Benedict XVI, resigned. His leadership, known for compassion and outreach, touched the lives of billions. People from around the world, regardless of faith, have come forward to pay tribute, including tennis legend Rafael Nadal.
Despite not being a religious person, Nadal didn’t hesitate to offer his respects. “Today is a sad day. I would like to express my sincere condolences on the passing of Pope Francis. May he rest in peace,” Nadal wrote on X (translated from Spanish).
Hoy es un día triste. Me gustaría expresar mis más sinceras condolencias por el fallecimiento del Papa Francisco. Descanse en paz.
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) April 21, 2025
Pope Francis, meanwhile, was known to be a sports fan. His love for soccer was widely known, but he also showed a genuine appreciation for tennis. Last year, he congratulated Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner after his victory at the Australian Open. Sinner had made history by becoming the first Italian man to win a Grand Slam singles title in nearly five decades.
The Pope acknowledged this achievement during an audience with the Real Club de Tenis Barcelona. He used the moment to reflect on deeper values in sport and said, “Tennis, while often perceived as a competition to outplay an opponent, can also be a form of dialogue and personal growth.” He also reminded everyone that “we cannot always win,” but the real growth lies in the journey.
In honor of Pope Francis, all sports events scheduled for Easter Monday in Italy were postponed. The Italian Olympic Committee announced that a minute of silence would be observed before all sporting events later in the week. It’s a gesture that shows how deeply the Pope’s presence was felt, even in the world of sports.
The gesture from Nadal stood out because he has been open about his views on religion in the past.
Rafael Nadal’s view on religion and god
The 22-time Grand Slam champion was raised Catholic in Spain but later distanced himself from religious practices. Still, he has always shown respect for others’ beliefs.
Back in 2010, Nadal spoke to Sports Illustrated about his views on God. At just 24 years old, he offered a thoughtful response. He said, “It’s hard to say ‘I don’t believe in God.’ I would love to know if God exists. But it’s very difficult for me to believe… If God exists, he’s intelligent enough to do the important things, the right things.” Nadal admitted that he doesn’t pray or make the sign of the cross, but didn’t criticize religious people for their faith.
Years later, Nadal made a personal decision that reflected this respectful balance. He and his wife Maria Francisca Perello baptized their son in June during a private ceremony in their hometown of Mallorca. Though Nadal himself may not be a devout believer, the ceremony honored the Catholic traditions of his family.
This same respect carried over into his tribute to the pontiff. Pope Francis may no longer be with us, but his message of compassion continues to inspire. Even those who don’t share his faith, like Rafael Nadal, recognize the impact he had.
The post ‘Rest in Peace’- Rafael Nadal Pens a Soul-Stirring Message As Pope Francis Breathes His Last Breath appeared first on EssentiallySports.