Serie A Matches Postponed Following Death Of Pope Francis

Italy’s top football league, Serie A, has postponed all Easter Monday fixtures in honour of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 after battling double pneumonia.

The Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A announced the decision on Sunday evening, stating that both Serie A and Primavera 1 matches scheduled for Monday, April 21, would be rescheduled out of respect for the pontiff.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first Latin American pope and a known football enthusiast who supported his local Argentine club, San Lorenzo.

The postponed Serie A games include Torino vs Udinese, Cagliari vs Fiorentina, Genoa vs Lazio, and Parma vs Juventus. These matches were part of matchday 33 of the 2024/25 season.

The league said new dates for the fixtures would be communicated shortly, with the aim of completing the round before the season finale on May 25.

“Serie A expresses its profound sorrow at the passing of Pope Francis, a man of peace and a global spiritual guide,” the league said in a brief statement.

“In respect and mourning, all games scheduled for Monday have been postponed.”

The Vatican has not yet released official plans for Pope Francis's funeral, but Italy has declared a period of national mourning.

The pope’s death has drawn tributes from religious, political and cultural leaders across the world, with many praising his advocacy for the poor, his emphasis on compassion, and his efforts to modernise the Church’s engagement with global issues.

Pope Francis was known not only for his religious leadership but also for his love of football. In 2013, shortly after his election to the papacy, he received a personalised jersey from Lionel Messi.

He often spoke about the value of sport in building community and promoting dialogue, and his death has sparked mourning across footballing circles.

Several Serie A clubs also paid tribute on social media. Juventus wrote, “We join the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. A humble servant and a true football fan.”

Lazio posted a black-and-white image of the pontiff, with the caption, “Ciao Santo Padre. Your wisdom and humanity will remain in our hearts.”

While Serie A matches scheduled for Saturday and Sunday went ahead as planned, the league decided the mourning period should include Easter Monday, a key date in the Italian football calendar and typically marked by full stadiums and festive crowds.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is expected to coordinate with clubs and broadcasters to identify new dates for the postponed fixtures, ensuring minimal disruption to the season schedule.

However, with the tight fixture congestion and looming European commitments for some teams, finding room for the matches could prove challenging.

Pope Francis’s passing marks the end of a papacy defined by humility, outreach, and reformist ideals. For Italian football, the pause in play is both a tribute to his legacy and a rare moment of unity in a league often characterised by fierce rivalry.

As fans mourn a spiritual icon, the beautiful game takes a moment to bow its head in silence.

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first Latin American pope and a known football enthusiast who supported his local Argentine club, San Lorenzo