The Serie A league has announced the postponement of all four games scheduled for Easter Monday, following the death of Pope Francis. The Vatican announced the passing of the 88-year-old pontiff early on Monday morning. The matches, which included Torino vs. Udinese, Cagliari vs. Fiorentina, Lazio vs. Genoa, and Juventus vs. Parma, will now be rescheduled for a later date.
In a statement, Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A said, “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.”
The Pope’s death was announced by Cardinal Farrell, who paid tribute to the pontiff’s life and legacy. “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” Cardinal Farrell said.
The cardinal also highlighted the Pope’s dedication to the values of the Gospel, saying, “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised. With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
The decision to postpone the matches is a mark of respect for the Pope’s passing, and the Serie A league will announce the new dates for the fixtures in due course.