Italy’s top football league, Serie A, has postponed all Monday fixtures following the death of Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican confirmed the news in a video statement earlier today, announcing that Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 after battling a serious case of double pneumonia.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first-ever Latin American pope and a lifelong football enthusiast. Known for his humble demeanor and passion for the game, he was a well-known supporter of Argentine club San Lorenzo. His passing marks the end of a historic papacy that began in 2013 and focused on compassion, social justice, and outreach.
In respect to the pontiff’s passing, the Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A released an official statement: “Following the passing of His Holiness, Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A can confirm that today’s league games in Serie A and Primavera 1 have been postponed. The date of the rearranged fixtures will be announced in due course.”
Serie A clubs and fans across Italy have expressed their condolences, with many players and teams posting tributes to the Pope on social media.
