All four Serie A matches initially scheduled for Monday have been postponed following the death of Pope Francis, Italy’s top football league announced in an official statement.
The affected fixtures include Udinese’s away game at Torino, Fiorentina’s trip to Cagliari, Genoa’s home clash with Lazio, and Juventus’ visit to Parma. The league said the matches would be rescheduled, with new dates to be confirmed in due course.
The postponement comes as the footballing world, alongside millions of people globally, mourns the passing of Pope Francis. The Vatican confirmed that the Pope, known for his deep affection for the sport, passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on Monday.
“The four Serie A matches scheduled to take place on Monday have been postponed to a later date following the death of Pope Francis,” read a statement from Serie A.
A long-time supporter of football, Pope Francis was known to be an avid follower of the game and maintained strong ties with the sport throughout his papacy. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, the Pope was a lifelong fan of Buenos Aires-based club San Lorenzo.
The Italian league’s decision to delay matches is a rare move, underscoring the significance of the Pope’s passing not only within religious circles but also in the realm of sport and public life.
Rescheduling the games may pose a logistical challenge as the Serie A season nears its climax. With limited room in the calendar and several Italian clubs involved in European competitions, the postponed fixtures will now need to be slotted into an already packed schedule, possibly overlapping with the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
The Vatican, in announcing the death of the Pope, acknowledged his love for the game, stating: “Pope Francis, a keen football fan, died aged 88 on Monday.”
As Italy begins a period of national mourning, the football community joins in paying tribute to the life and legacy of a pontiff who championed unity, humility, and the beautiful game.
