Serie A matches postponed hours before kick-off after death of Pope Francis

The governing body of Serie A has announced the postponement of seven football matches following the death of Pope Francis. The head of the Roman Catholic Church passed away aged 88 on Monday after a brief battle with double pneumonia. Pope Francis passed away on MondayAFP The Pope’s death was announced in a statement by Cardinal Kevin Farrell. “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Farrell said. “At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.” As a result, Lega Serie A confirmed all games in Serie A and Primavera 1, an under-20s competition, would be played at a later date. “Following the passing of His Holiness, Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A can confirm that today’s league games in Serie A and Primavera 1 have been postponed. “The date of the rearranged fixtures will be announced in due course.” The decision was announced less than two hours before Torino vs Udinese was due to kick-off. Italian giants Roma added their voice to the many tributes that have poured in following Pope Francis’ death. “AS Roma joins in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a loss that deeply saddens our city and the entire world,” the statement read. The head of the Roman Catholic Church passed away after a battle with double pnemoniaAFP via Getty “His faith, humility, courage and dedication touched the hearts of millions, making him a moral compass of our time and beyond. “His legacy of peace and solidarity will remain an enduring example. “Our thoughts go out to all those who continue to be inspired by his unwavering values of communication and brotherhood.” Lazio president Claudio Lotito was another who penned an emotional statement in the wake of Pope Francis’ passing. It was with deep emotion that I learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis,” Lotito said. “In these years, the Holy Father has been able to convey to believers and non-believers a universal message of solidarity, inclusion and mercy, always placing the most fragile and the last at the centre. Lazio president Claudio Lotito was one of many voices to pay tributeGetty “On behalf of the entire Biancoceleste family, the players, the technical staff, the collaborators and the millions of Lazio fans in Italy and around the world, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Holy See, the College of Cardinals and the entire community of the faithful. “I have had the honour and privilege of personally meeting Pope Francis on several occasions: in those moments of dialogue, I was able to appreciate his extraordinary humanity, sensitivity and authentic closeness to the world of sport and the values it expresses. We will always remember with gratitude his special attention to sport as a tool of brotherhood and education of new generations, values that SS Lazio preserves and promotes daily through its social projects. “In this moment of deep sorrow, we join in prayer that the Lord may welcome Pope Francis into His eternal peace and give comfort to those who mourn his loss. “Today the great Lazio family gathers together with emotion and gratitude in memory of an extraordinary pastor, who with simplicity and courage has touched the hearts of all of us.” Serie A and Primavera 1 postponed fixtures Torino v Udinese Cagliari v Fiorentina Genoa v Lazio Parma v Juventus AS Roma U20 v Udinese U20 Monza U20 v Sassuolo U20 Sampdoria U20 v Torino U20

Apr 21, 2025 - 12:02

Serie A matches postponed hours before kick-off after death of Pope Francis

The governing body of Serie A has announced the postponement of seven football matches following the death of Pope Francis.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church passed away aged 88 on Monday after a brief battle with double pneumonia.

The Pope’s death was announced in a statement by Cardinal Kevin Farrell.

“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,” Farrell said.

“At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.

“His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.”

As a result, Lega Serie A confirmed all games in Serie A and Primavera 1, an under-20s competition, would be played at a later date.

“Following the passing of His Holiness, Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A can confirm that today’s league games in Serie A and Primavera 1 have been postponed.

“The date of the rearranged fixtures will be announced in due course.”

The decision was announced less than two hours before Torino vs Udinese was due to kick-off.

Italian giants Roma added their voice to the many tributes that have poured in following Pope Francis’ death.

“AS Roma joins in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a loss that deeply saddens our city and the entire world,” the statement read.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church passed away after a battle with double pnemonia

“His faith, humility, courage and dedication touched the hearts of millions, making him a moral compass of our time and beyond.

“His legacy of peace and solidarity will remain an enduring example.

“Our thoughts go out to all those who continue to be inspired by his unwavering values of communication and brotherhood.”

Lazio president Claudio Lotito was another who penned an emotional statement in the wake of Pope Francis’ passing.

It was with deep emotion that I learned of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis,” Lotito said.

“In these years, the Holy Father has been able to convey to believers and non-believers a universal message of solidarity, inclusion and mercy, always placing the most fragile and the last at the centre.

Lazio president Claudio Lotito was one of many voices to pay tribute

“On behalf of the entire Biancoceleste family, the players, the technical staff, the collaborators and the millions of Lazio fans in Italy and around the world, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Holy See, the College of Cardinals and the entire community of the faithful.

“I have had the honour and privilege of personally meeting Pope Francis on several occasions: in those moments of dialogue, I was able to appreciate his extraordinary humanity, sensitivity and authentic closeness to the world of sport and the values it expresses. We will always remember with gratitude his special attention to sport as a tool of brotherhood and education of new generations, values that SS Lazio preserves and promotes daily through its social projects.

“In this moment of deep sorrow, we join in prayer that the Lord may welcome Pope Francis into His eternal peace and give comfort to those who mourn his loss.

“Today the great Lazio family gathers together with emotion and gratitude in memory of an extraordinary pastor, who with simplicity and courage has touched the hearts of all of us.”