In a somber turn of events for Italian football, all Serie A and Primavera matches scheduled for Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, have been officially postponed following the death of Pope Francis. The beloved Pontiff passed away at the age of 88, prompting a period of mourning across Italy.
The announcement came early in the day, with Lega Serie A confirming the postponement of four key fixtures that were set to captivate fans on this traditional holiday. The matches affected include Torino vs Udinese, Cagliari vs Fiorentina, Genoa vs Lazio, and the highly anticipated clash between Parma and Juventus. The league stated, “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.”
Pope Francis, who had been a significant figure not only in the religious community but also in the sporting world, was known for his love of football. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, he was a lifelong supporter of San Lorenzo, a club based in his native Argentina. His passing has left a deep impact on both the spiritual and sporting communities.
The Vatican officially announced the Pope’s death at 07:35 local time (05:35 GMT), a statement that resonated throughout Italy and the world. Cardinal Kevin Farrell delivered the news, expressing gratitude for the Pope’s teachings and his commitment to the values of the Gospel. “He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalized,” the Cardinal stated.
The postponement of the matches was a significant decision, especially given that Easter Monday is an official holiday in Italy, traditionally marked by vibrant football fixtures. Fans were looking forward to an action-packed day, but the atmosphere has shifted to one of reflection and respect.
Prior to the announcement, six matches had already taken place over the Easter weekend. The weekend kicked off with Como securing a convincing 3-0 victory over Lecce, while Napoli edged past Monza with a narrow 1-0 win. On Saturday, Roma triumphed over Hellas Verona with a similar scoreline of 1-0, demonstrating their continued pursuit of top league positions.
On Easter Sunday, the excitement continued as Empoli and Venezia played to a thrilling 2-2 draw, while Bologna pulled off a surprise victory against Inter, winning 1-0. Atalanta also celebrated a 1-0 victory against AC Milan, further intensifying the competition in Serie A.
As the football community comes to terms with the loss of Pope Francis, Juventus, one of the clubs impacted by the postponements, expressed their condolences through a statement on their official social media account. “Tonight’s match against Parma has been postponed until a later date following the death of Pope Francis. Juventus shares in the condolences of the Pontiff’s passing,” the club posted.
The decision to postpone the matches has been met with understanding from fans and players alike, recognizing the significance of the moment and the respect due to the late Pope. The league’s officials have assured that the postponed matches will be rescheduled before the final weekend of the 2024-25 Serie A season, which is set for May 25, 2025.
In the wake of the Pope’s death, discussions around his health have resurfaced. Pope Francis had been discharged from the hospital in March after battling an infection that led to pneumonia. Throughout his life, he faced health challenges, including lung infections stemming from having part of one of his lungs removed at age 21. Just a day before his passing, he had a brief meeting with JD Vance, the Vice President of the U.S., during which he offered Easter gifts of chocolate eggs for Vance’s children.
The football world now pauses to reflect on the legacy of Pope Francis, who not only inspired millions with his spiritual guidance but also touched the hearts of sports fans with his passion for football. As Italy mourns, the postponement of these matches serves as a reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on a nation.
While the future scheduling of the postponed fixtures remains uncertain, the Serie A teams will undoubtedly be eager to return to the pitch in memory of the Pontiff. The matches will be rescheduled, and fans will look forward to the action once the mourning period has concluded. For now, the focus shifts from the excitement of the game to honoring the life and teachings of Pope Francis, a true leader who transcended the boundaries of faith and sport.
