Italy’s top football division has postponed all four Serie A matches scheduled for Monday following the death of Pope Francis, the league announced. The 88-year-old pontiff, a known football enthusiast, passed away earlier in the day at the Vatican.
Postponed Fixtures:
- Torino vs. Udinese
- Cagliari vs. Fiorentina
- Genoa vs. Lazio
- Parma vs. Juventus
Scheduling Challenges Ahead
The rescheduled matches will need to be squeezed into an already packed end-of-season calendar, potentially conflicting with the upcoming Champions League semi-finals. League officials are expected to announce new dates in the coming days.
Football World Pays Tribute
The postponement reflects the deep connection between Italian football and the Catholic Church. Pope Francis, an avid supporter of his hometown club San Lorenzo in Argentina, frequently spoke about football’s power to unite communities.
This marks the second time in recent years that Serie A has adjusted its schedule due to a papal death, following similar measures taken after Pope John Paul II’s passing in 2005.
