The Italian Serie A football league has postponed all matches scheduled for Monday, April 21, 2025, in honor of Pope Francis, who passed away earlier that morning at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that the pontiff died at 7:35 a.m. CET at the Casa Santa Maria in Vatican City, following a battle with double pneumonia.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first Latin American pope and a lifelong football enthusiast. He was known for his support of the Argentine club San Lorenzo and his appreciation for football as a means of fostering unity and educating youth .
In response to his passing, the Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A announced the postponement of all Serie A and Primavera 1 fixtures scheduled for that day. The league expressed that the decision was made out of respect for the pope’s death, and new dates for the rescheduled matches will be announced in due course.
The matches affected by the postponement include:
– Torino vs. Udinese
– Cagliari vs. Fiorentina
– Genoa vs. Lazio
– Parma vs. Juventus
These games were particularly significant as they had implications for the league standings. Juventus, currently in fifth place, was set to face Parma, while Lazio, in seventh place, was scheduled to play against Genoa. The postponement means that Juventus now has a game in hand over their rivals for the Champions League spots.
The Italian Olympic Committee has also mandated a minute of silence at all sports events throughout the week to honor the late pope.
Pope Francis’s death has deeply affected the global community, and his passing has led to an outpouring of tributes from various sectors, including sports. His legacy as a leader who embodied moral values and inspired millions worldwide continues to resonate.
As the world mourns, the Italian football community stands united in paying respects to a figure who transcended the boundaries of sport and religion
For updates on the rescheduled matches and further tributes to Pope Francis, fans are encouraged to follow official Serie A channels.
Pope Francis’s Death Leads to Postponement of Italian Football Matches.
