A Nation Mourns a Beloved Leader
On April 21, 2025, Italy’s top football league, Serie A, announced the postponement of all matches scheduled for Monday, a solemn gesture of respect following the passing of Pope Francis. The Vatican confirmed that the 88-year-old pontiff, the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, died early that morning after a battle with pneumonia. Known for his humility and deep connection to football, Pope Francis left an indelible mark on the world, prompting Italy to pause and reflect on his extraordinary life.
The Italian league issued a heartfelt statement: “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.” This decision affected four eagerly anticipated matches: Torino vs. Udinese, Cagliari vs. Fiorentina, Genoa vs. Lazio, and Parma vs. Juventus, all now rescheduled for Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. local time.
A Football Fan’s Papacy
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was not only a spiritual leader but also a lifelong football enthusiast. His passion for the sport became evident shortly after his election as the 266th pope in March 2013, when his beloved Argentine club, San Lorenzo, shared a photo of him proudly holding their crest. This moment sparked a special bond between the pontiff and the football world.
San Lorenzo, one of Argentina’s storied clubs, enjoyed remarkable success during Francis’ papacy. The team clinched the Argentine league title in 2013 and made history by winning the Copa Libertadores in 2014, their first-ever triumph in South America’s premier club competition. Grateful club officials visited the Vatican twice, presenting Francis with their trophies as a token of appreciation for his unwavering support. In a lasting tribute, San Lorenzo plans to name a new stadium in his honor, cementing his legacy in the sport he loved.
Francis’ love for football extended beyond his hometown club. He met numerous football icons, including his compatriot Diego Maradona, whose encounters with the pope were particularly memorable. In 2014, during a charity football match, Maradona gifted Francis a jersey emblazoned with “Francisco” and his iconic No. 10. Their second meeting in 2015 prompted Maradona to declare, “I’m Francis’ top fan,” a testament to the pontiff’s charisma. When Maradona passed away in 2020, Francis honored him with prayers, reflecting their shared passion for the game.
Tributes from the Football Community
The Italian football community united in grief, with clubs and players paying tribute to Pope Francis’ remarkable legacy. Inter Milan, Serie A’s reigning champions and current leaders, mourned him as “a man of faith, humility, and dialogue who spoke to everyone’s heart.” AS Roma echoed this sentiment, describing his death as “a loss that deeply saddens our city and the entire world,” and praised his faith, courage, and dedication as a “moral compass” for millions.
Former Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon shared a poignant reflection on Instagram: “Francis was a special Pope, able to illuminate in his time like only the greatest can. He showed us the way with great courage and moved our souls. I will carry his example forever in my heart.” The Italian Olympic Committee announced that a minute’s silence would be observed before all sporting events throughout the week, ensuring Francis’ memory is honored across the nation’s stadiums.
A Pause for Reflection
The postponement of Serie A and Primavera 1 matches underscores Italy’s deep cultural and spiritual ties to the Catholic Church. The decision, coordinated with the Vatican and government authorities, reflects the nation’s collective mourning for a leader who championed solidarity and compassion. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) also suspended all professional and amateur matches scheduled for Monday, hailing Francis as “an example of Christian charity and dignity in suffering, always close to the world of football.”
Rescheduling these fixtures poses logistical challenges, given the packed calendar and potential conflicts with Champions League semi-finals. However, fans have expressed overwhelming support for the decision, recognizing the profound significance of Francis’ passing in a deeply Catholic nation. Social media posts from supporters, including those from Ghana mourning both Francis and a local football figure, highlighted the sport’s ability to unite people in moments of loss.
A Lasting Legacy in Sport and Spirit
Pope Francis’ influence transcended the pitch, as he promoted sport as a vehicle for unity and human connection. His meetings with players, managers, and officials—like Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis in 2023—showcased his genuine enthusiasm for football’s role in fostering community. His legacy as a football-loving pope will endure, from the trophies he celebrated with San Lorenzo to the countless hearts he touched with his humility and warmth.
As Italy prepares for the conclave to elect a new pope, the football world joins millions in honoring Pope Francis. His life, marked by devotion to faith and a passion for the beautiful game, will continue to inspire players, fans, and communities worldwide.