Pope Francis’ Passing Halts Serie A Matches as Soccer World Mourns
Sarah Johnson
April 21, 2025
Brief
Serie A postponed all Monday matches following Pope Francis's death at 88. Tributes from the soccer world highlight his deep connection to the sport.
The Italian Serie A soccer league has postponed all matches slated for Monday in response to the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at 88 after a recent battle with double pneumonia.
Four games—Torino vs. Udinese, Cagliari vs. Fiorentina, Genoa vs. Lazio, and Parma vs. Juventus—have been pushed to a later date, as announced by the league on social media. The organization stated, "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."
Pope Francis died early Monday morning, only a day after making a public appearance in St. Peter’s Square for Easter celebrations. From the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, he offered a blessing to thousands—a final public gesture from a pope known for his warmth and resilience. This appearance came just weeks after a lengthy 38-day hospital stay, the longest of his 12 years as pope, due to a severe respiratory crisis.
Tributes have poured in from across the globe, but especially from the world of soccer, where Francis was not only a spiritual leader but also a passionate fan. As a lifelong supporter of Buenos Aires club San Lorenzo, Francis was often seen as the sport’s papal patron.
Gabriele Gravina, president of the Italian soccer federation, expressed the sentiments of many, stating, "Italian soccer joins in the mourning of millions of people following the death of Pope Francis. He was a great example of Christian caring and dignity in the face of suffering and he was always attentive to the sports world and particularly soccer, of which he was a fan. He will always remain in the hearts of the faithful and lovers of soccer."
Gianluigi Buffon, former captain of Italy’s national team and a man who met Francis multiple times, described him as "a special pope, able to illuminate in his time like only the greatest can." Buffon added that he would carry the pope’s example forever in his heart.
The intersection of faith and football isn’t something you see every day, but when it happens, it certainly stops the game—literally.
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Editor's Comments
Only in Italy could the passing of a pope turn into a reason to postpone soccer matches—where else does religion and football share such a passionate fanbase? You almost expect the Vatican to have season tickets. But in all seriousness, it’s a testament to how deeply the pope’s influence ran, both in the pews and in the stands. At WTFNewsRoom, we can’t help but wonder: will the next pope be recruited from a soccer academy?
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