The football world has been paying tributes to Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025.
Several notable clubs, national teams, and players have extended their condolences to the Catholic Church following the death of its spiritual leader.
Among the clubs paying tributes are Barcelona, Real Madrid, Fiorentina, and AS Roma.
The Italian and Croatian national teams, along with former Barcelona and Croatian international, Ivan Rakitić, have also shared heartfelt messages.
Numerous football fans around the world have also joined in mourning the late pontiff.
In response to the news, Serie A fixtures scheduled for Monday, April 21, 2025, have been postponed out of respect.
Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican announced. He had been battling illness in recent months.
According to the BBC, which described the late Pope as “a voice for peace with a contagious smile,” tributes have been pouring in from around the globe.
The 88-year-old pontiff had spent five weeks in the hospital with pneumonia between February and March. According to his medical team, the Pope came close to death during the illness.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church.
#ASRoma joins in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a loss that deeply saddens our city and the entire world.
His faith, humility, courage and dedication touched the hearts of millions, making him a moral compass of our time and beyond.
His legacy of peace and solidarity… pic.twitter.com/jxVR6LW3qz
— AS Roma English (@ASRomaEN) April 21, 2025
Your humble heart, your bold compassion, humility and your deep care for the forgotten inspired the world and touched so many hearts.
Rest in peace, Pope Francis. 🙏🏼🕊️ @Pontifex pic.twitter.com/HISqaZ7nRx
— Ivan Rakitic (@ivanrakitic) April 21, 2025
With deep sorrow and sadness, we received the news of the passing of the Holy Father, Pope Francis.
His humility, wisdom, and messages of hope left an indelible mark on the hearts of millions around the world.
The Croatian national football team had the honor of being received… pic.twitter.com/lHdSsOjY3L
— HNS (@HNS_CFF) April 21, 2025
Atlético de Madrid expresses its condolences on the death of Pope Francis. May he rest in peace.
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) April 21, 2025
“Even with a rag ball, you can work miracles.” 🕊️
Rest in peace, Pope Francis. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/BWkJxyVhea
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) April 21, 2025
The Commisso family and everyone at Fiorentina mourn the passing of Pope Francis. pic.twitter.com/Sqh7fqqrxi
— ACF Fiorentina English (@ACFFiorentinaEN) April 21, 2025
Before training the players and coaching staff observed a minute of silence for the passing of Pope Francis. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/eb8Uj6em0x
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) April 21, 2025
FC Barcelona expresses its condolences on the death of Pope Francis.
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 21, 2025
Official Announcement: Pope Francis passes away.
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 21, 2025
Following the death of Pope Francis, all Italian league fixtures have been postponed. pic.twitter.com/eqnFCWdBFY
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 21, 2025
Pope Francis has passed away. A beautiful moment of him blessing Cristiano Ronaldo’s shirt on the request of his mother. pic.twitter.com/4GuPtp1Xl7
— TCR. (@TeamCRonaldo) April 21, 2025
❗️Official club statement: “FC Barcelona expresses its condolences for the death of Pope Francis.” pic.twitter.com/r8y9xyPDWd
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) April 21, 2025
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. pic.twitter.com/hHYXhfX189
— BeksFCB (@Joshua__Ubeku) April 21, 2025
RIP Pope Francis 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/RVbyXqryVR
— (fan) Frank 🧠🇵🇹 (@AmorimEra_) April 21, 2025
🚨 All Serie A matches today have been postponed following the death of Pope Francis. 🇮🇹⛔️ pic.twitter.com/T7dz9WKuBP
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) April 21, 2025
EE/AE
Meanwhile, watch football fans’ reactions after Arsenal eliminated Real Madrid from 24/25 UEFA Champions League
