In a significant gesture of mourning, Italy’s top football league, Serie A, has postponed all matches scheduled for Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed the Pope’s passing due to complications from double pneumonia.
Postponed Fixtures
The Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A announced the postponement of the following Serie A matches:
- Torino vs. Udinese
- Cagliari vs. Fiorentina
- Genoa vs. Lazio
- Parma vs. Juventus
Additionally, all Primavera 1 (Under-20) matches scheduled for the day have been postponed.
National Mourning and Tributes
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the first Latin American and Jesuit Pope. Known for his humility and dedication to social justice, he was also an avid football fan, supporting Argentine club San Lorenzo.
Italian football clubs and organizations have expressed their condolences. AS Roma paid tribute to the Pope’s values of faith, humility, courage, and dedication, describing him as a moral compass whose legacy of peace and solidarity remains impactful.
Rescheduling and Season Implications
The postponed matches will be rescheduled, with dates to be announced. The league aims to complete all fixtures before the final weekend of the 2024–25 Serie A season, scheduled for May 25.
This postponement affects the 33rd round of Serie A fixtures, with six matches already played over the Easter weekend. The league will need to adjust the schedule to accommodate the rescheduled matches without disrupting the season’s conclusion.
Conclusion
The postponement of Serie A matches reflects the profound impact of Pope Francis’s death on Italy and the global community. As the nation mourns, the football world joins in honoring the legacy of a spiritual leader who championed compassion, humility, and unity.