Serie A fixtures suspended following Pope’s death

Serie A fixtures to be played today have been suspended following the passing of Pope Francis.

Four matches had been scheduled to be played in today’s fixture.

“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 announced in a statement.

The Monday fixtures included the match by record Serie A champions Juventus at Parma.

Torino vs Udinese, Cagliari vs Fiorentina, and Genoa vs Lazio were also to be played today.

Easter Monday is a public holiday in Italy, and the fixtures were part of the extended holiday weekend calendar.

The Italian football community has already initiated plans to honor the Pope’s legacy in upcoming fixtures and commemorations for their Catholic leader.

Numerous Serie A clubs shared tributes on social media.

“A loss that deeply saddens our city and the entire world. His faith, his humility, his courage, and his dedication have touched the hearts of millions of people, making him a moral reference of our time,” AS Roma shared.

Pope Francis was a lifelong supporter of Argentine club San Lorenzo, and he remained connected to the sport throughout his life.

The 88-year-old died today at 7:35 am, according to a statement by the Vatican.

“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow, I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7.35 am this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell said in a statement released by the Vatican.

The Vatican has remembered the Pope for his teachings on fidelity and love for everyone.