Serie A has already confirmed that all four matches scheduled for Monday have been postponed following the passing of Pope Francis.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, passed away at 5:35 a.m. on Monday, April 21, according to a statement from Cardinal Kevin Farrell on behalf of the Vatican.
“At 07:35 local time (05:35 GMT), Rome’s Bishop Francis returned to the House of the Father,” the statement read.
“He taught us to live gospel values with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the benefit of the poorest and most marginalized.”
“With immeasurable gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend Pope Francis’ soul to the one and threefold love of God’s infinite mercy.”
Serie A matches postponed
Shortly after, Serie A confirmed that all four scheduled matches on Monday – Torino against Udinese, Cagliari against Fiorentina, Genoa against Lazio and Parma against Juventus – have been postponed.
A statement on the league’s official social media read:
“Following the passing of His Holiness, the Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A can confirm that today’s league matches in Serie A and Primavera 1 have been postponed. A new match date will be announced shortly.”
Clubs pay homage to Pope Francis
Several football clubs from all over the world have paid tributes. AS Roma stated that “his legacy of peace and solidarity will remain a lasting example.”
Barcelona, Lazio and Juventus are among the many clubs that have expressed their condolences to the 88-year-old Pope.
