The world of football joined the global community in mourning on Monday, as four Serie A matches were officially postponed following the death of Pope Francis.
The Vatican announced early Monday morning that the 88-year-old pontiff had passed away, just weeks after being discharged from hospital where he had undergone treatment for an infection.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was elected the 266th pope of the Catholic Church in 2013, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI. Known for his humility, compassion, and global influence, Pope Francis was widely respected across religious and secular communities alike. His death has sent ripples across the sporting world, particularly in Italy where the Pope resided and held great spiritual authority.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and Serie A’s governing body promptly announced the postponement of all four scheduled top-flight matches set for Easter Monday, a national holiday in Italy. The affected fixtures include:
- Torino vs Udinese
- Cagliari vs Fiorentina
- Genoa vs Lazio
- Parma vs Juventus
In a brief statement, the Serie A league office said the matches would be rescheduled at a later date, with details to be announced in due course. The decision was made as a mark of respect to the Pope, acknowledging the national and international significance of his passing.
A passionate supporter of Argentine football club San Lorenzo, Pope Francis’ love for the sport was well known. Throughout his papacy, he often spoke of the unifying power of football and its ability to bring people of all backgrounds together. His influence extended beyond religion and into global culture, where he remained an admired figure, particularly in the sporting community.
Following news of his death, numerous Serie A clubs paid tribute to the late Pope on social media and through official club statements. AS Roma released a heartfelt message:
“A loss that deeply saddens our city and the entire world. His faith, his humility, his courage and his dedication have touched the hearts of millions of people, making him a moral reference of our time.”
Other clubs echoed similar sentiments, honouring the Pope not just as a religious leader, but as a man whose values aligned closely with the spirit of sportsmanship and community.
In cities across Italy, church bells tolled, and moments of silence were observed, underscoring the deep national impact of his death. The Italian government is expected to declare an extended mourning period, during which other major events may also be rescheduled or canceled.
As football fans and faithful around the globe reflect on the Pope’s legacy, Serie A’s decision to postpone matches serves as a solemn tribute to a man whose life and message transcended faith, sport, and national borders.
