Importance Score: 55 / 100 🔵
Italian Football Matches Postponed Following Pope Francis’s Death
In a mark of respect for Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday, all football matches in Italy have been postponed. The suspension includes fixtures in Serie A and youth leagues.
The Vatican confirmed the demise of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, at the age of 88.
National Mourning: Sports Events Suspended
As a gesture of mourning for the Bishop of Rome, the Italian football authorities have called off all scheduled top-flight men’s senior and Under-20 matches.
Official Statement from Serie A
Serie A released an official statement shortly after the announcement of the Pope’s death, declaring the postponement of all matches. The statement read:
“Following the passing of the Holy Father, Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A announces that the Serie A Enilive and Primavera 1 Championship matches scheduled for today are postponed to a date yet to be determined.”
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Postponed Serie A Fixtures
Four Serie A games were originally slated for Easter Monday:
- Torino vs Udinese (11:30 AM BST)
- Cagliari vs Fiorentina (2:00 PM BST)
- Genoa vs Lazio (5:00 PM BST)
- Parma vs Juventus (7:45 PM BST)
Football matches across Italy have been called off following the death of Pope Francis
Parma’s clash with Juventus scheduled for Easter Monday night has been postponed
Postponed Primavera 1 Fixtures
The Primavera 1 league also saw postponements:
- Roma U20s vs Udinese U20s (11:00 AM)
- Monza U20s vs Sassuolo U20s
- Sampdoria U20s vs Torino U20s
Rescheduling of Matches
Serie A has not yet announced the rescheduled dates for the affected matches.
Nation Pays Respect
Following the announcement of Pope Francis’s death, church bells across Rome tolled in mourning. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, officially announced the passing from the Domus Santa Marta chapel, where the Pope resided.
Cardinal Farrell’s Address
Cardinal Farrell stated, “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to serving the Lord and his Church.”
He added, “He taught us to embody the values of the Gospel with devotion, bravery, and universal compassion, especially for those most in need and marginalised.”
“With profound gratitude for his example as a true follower of the Lord Jesus, we entrust the soul of Pope Francis to the unending, merciful love of God.”
Pope Francis’s Health
Pope Francis had a history of chronic lung disease and had a portion of a lung removed during his youth. He was recently hospitalised at Gemelli hospital on February 14 for a respiratory issue that evolved into double pneumonia.
Pope Francis is given a Napoli shirt by club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis (bottom left) in 2023
His recent 38-day stay in the hospital marked his longest during his 12-year papacy.
He made a public appearance on Easter Sunday, the day before his death, blessing crowds in St Peter’s Square and conducting a surprise Popemobile tour, receiving enthusiastic cheers and applause.