In a profound gesture of respect, Italy’s Serie A postponed all scheduled matches on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88. The Pope, a lifelong football enthusiast and devoted supporter of Argentina’s San Lorenzo club, passed away in the early hours of Monday morning.
The postponed fixtures included Torino vs. Udinese, Cagliari vs. Fiorentina, Genoa vs. Lazio, and Parma vs. Juventus. These matches have been rescheduled for Wednesday, April 23.
The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) announced that a minute of silence will be observed at all sports events throughout the week to honour the Pope’s memory.
Pope Francis’ deep connection to football was well-known. His lifelong support for San Lorenzo and interactions with football legends like Diego Maradona highlighted his passion for the sport. In tribute, San Lorenzo plans to name a new stadium in his honour.
The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis’ body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica starting Wednesday, with the funeral scheduled for Saturday, April 26. Dignitaries from around the world are expected to attend the funeral, reflecting the Pope’s global influence.
This period of mourning underscores the profound impact Pope Francis had on both the religious and sporting communities, illustrating the deep interconnection between faith and culture in Italy.
