The four Serie A matches planned for Monday in Italy’s top football league have been postponed due to the passing of Pope Francis.
The matches affected are Torino versus Udinese, Cagliari against Fiorentina, Genoa facing Lazio, and Parma meeting Juventus, all of which were set to occur on Easter Monday, a national holiday in Italy.
These matches have now been rescheduled for Wednesday, April 23, starting at 17:30 BST.
Pope Francis, who took on the role of leader of the Catholic Church in 2013 after Pope Benedict XVI, was 88 years old at the time of his death.
A lifelong football enthusiast, he was a devoted supporter of the Argentine club San Lorenzo since his youth.
Read also: Pope Francis: The humble revolutionary who reshaped Catholic Church
In tribute, the club expressed, “Our hearts ache. Pope Francis has left this world, but he will never leave our hearts.”
As an honorary member of our club, his deep passion for San Lorenzo always inspired us and brings us together in a continuous prayer for his soul.
During his papacy, he joyfully celebrated our successes with great generosity, welcoming delegations that came to see him in the Vatican.
Several Serie A clubs also paid their respects to the Pope after his death.
“A loss that brings great sadness to our city and the world,” a statement from Roma expressed.
“His faith, humility, courage, and commitment have resonated with millions, establishing him as a moral compass for our era.”
