The demise of Pope Francis on Monday, April 21, 2025, has led to the cancellation of football matches in Argentina and Italy.
In Italy, Serie A officials delayed four matches originally scheduled for Easter Monday. Torino were set to face Udinese, Cagliari were to meet Fiorentina, Genoa were to host Lazio, and Parma were scheduled to play Juventus.
These fixtures will now take place on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
The Italian National Olympic Committee confirmed that all sports events within the week have been called off as the nation mourns and honours the Pope.
Meanwhile, in Argentina, where the late pontiff hailed from, three games that were scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, were all postponed after the tragic news became public.
The three matches were Tigre vs Belgrano, Argentinos Juniors vs Barracas Central, and Independiente Rivadavia vs Aldosivi.
The Argentine Football Association announced that all football-related activities in the country have been suspended to mourn the deceased Catholic Church leader.
Aside from these football match suspensions, 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.
About Pope Francis’ death
Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican announced.
Per sources, 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 2025.
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.
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