Serie A has officially rescheduled several matches this weekend to accommodate the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88. In response to a directive from the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), all sporting events originally set for Saturday have been suspended, prompting a series of fixture adjustments across Italy’s top soccer division.

One of the biggest changes involves the highly anticipated clash between Inter Milan and AS Roma, initially scheduled for Saturday. The match will now be played on Sunday at 15:00 local time. Other fixtures affected include Como's game against Genoa, which has been moved to Sunday at 12:30, and Lazio’s match against Parma, rescheduled for Monday night at 20:45.

The timing and proximity of Pope Francis’s funeral, which will take place at St. Peter’s Square in Rome with his burial at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, played a critical role in the decision-making. Lazio’s home stadium, the Stadio Olimpico, is located close to the Vatican, making the postponement necessary for logistical and security reasons.

Serie A had already postponed matches earlier this week following the announcement of the Pope’s death, moving Monday’s scheduled games to Wednesday. Clubs across Italy, including Inter Milan, Roma, and Lazio, have expressed their condolences, paying tribute to Pope Francis’s significant spiritual and social influence both in Italy and globally.

The league’s adjustments reflect not only a moment of national mourning but also the deep connection between Italian society and the Catholic Church. Pope Francis, known for his love of soccer, especially his lifelong support of San Lorenzo in Argentina, left a lasting legacy that transcends religious and sporting boundaries.