Monday’s Serie A fixtures were postponed in a gesture of respect following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday morning at the age of 88.
The Pope, recently discharged from hospital after weeks of treatment for an infection, was a revered global figure and the leader of the Catholic Church since 2013.
The scheduled Easter Monday matches—Torino v Udinese, Cagliari v Fiorentina, Genoa v Lazio, and Parma v Juventus—will now be played on Wednesday, 23 April, with kick-offs set for 17:30 BST.
Easter Monday is a national holiday in Italy, further amplifying the solemnity of the occasion.
Pope Francis, known for his humility and moral leadership, was also a devoted football fan and a lifelong supporter of Argentine club San Lorenzo.
The club paid an emotional tribute to their honorary member, stating, “Our hearts ache. Pope Francis has left this world, but he will never leave our hearts.” The Pope often celebrated San Lorenzo’s successes, showcasing his deep connection to the sport.
The Italian football community united in mourning, with several Serie A clubs posting heartfelt messages. Roma described his passing as “a loss that deeply saddens our city and the entire world,” emphasizing his faith, humility, and dedication as hallmarks of his papacy.
