Italian soccer came to a standstill on Monday, April 21, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that the Pope passed away peacefully at 7:35 a.m. CEST at his residence, Domus Sanctae Marthae, after battling double pneumonia.

Serie A Matches Postponed

In immediate response to the news, the Lega Serie A announced the postponement of all scheduled matches across Serie A and Primavera 1 competitions. The league emphasized that new dates for the postponed fixtures will be announced shortly, as the country enters a period of mourning.

Pope Francis' Love for Soccer

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, was a lifelong soccer fan. A passionate supporter of Argentine club San Lorenzo, the Pope often spoke about the role of sports, particularly soccer, in promoting unity, teamwork, and dialogue among people of different backgrounds.

His affection for the sport endeared him to soccer fans around the world, and he frequently referenced the game in his public addresses.

Tributes from Across Italian Soccer

Serie A clubs and players paid tribute to Pope Francis across social media.

• Juventus posted: "We join the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. A humble servant and a true soccer fan."
• Lazio shared a black-and-white image of the pontiff, captioned: "Ciao Santo Padre. Your wisdom and humanity will remain in our hearts."

Beyond soccer, political, religious, and cultural leaders globally have honored Pope Francis' legacy, highlighting his work for the marginalized and his efforts to modernize and humanize the Catholic Church’s mission.

A Moment of Reflection

As Italian soccer halts to mourn, the pause serves as a reminder of the unique place Pope Francis held in the hearts of millions a spiritual leader who understood the unifying power of the world’s most beloved sport.