Italy’s top tier football league, Serie A, has announced the postponement of all matches scheduled for Easter Monday following the death of Pope Francis, as confirmed by the Vatican earlier today.
The 88-year-old pontiff, known for his deep love of football, passed away at 7:35 AM prompting widespread mourning across Italy and the global Catholic community.
The four Serie A fixtures affected by this decision are Torino vs. Udinese, Cagliari vs. Fiorentina, Genoa vs. Lazio, and Parma vs. Juventus. Additionally, matches in the Primavera 1 youth league have also been postponed.
In a show of respect, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) declared that all professional and amateur football activities across Italy would be suspended on Monday.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was an ardent supporter of Argentine club San Lorenzo, and remained a registered member of the club for his entire life. His love for the sport was well-documented, with memorable moments such as his meetings with football legends like Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, who gifted him a signed shirt in 2023.
The postponement is a reflection of Italy’s deep cultural and spiritual connections to the Catholic Church. It comes as the country enters a period of national mourning. The decision has been widely supported by fans and football clubs, many of whom have taken to social media to pay tribute to the late pontiff.