The Italian football governing body has postponed all four Serie A fixtures scheduled for Easter Monday following the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88.
In an official statement released on Monday, the league confirmed that the matches involving Torino vs Udinese Cagliari vs Fiorentina Genoa vs Lazio and Parma vs Juventus will be rescheduled.
The decision comes as the country enters a period of mourning for the pontiff who served as the spiritual leader of over 1.4 billion Catholics globally.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, one day after addressing thousands of worshippers during his final public appearance in St Peter’s Square, where he delivered the traditional Easter blessing.
Serie A clubs have since joined in paying tribute to the late Pope, acknowledging his impact on Italy, the global Church and the broader community.
In a statement, AS Roma described Pope Francis as a figure whose life of humility, courage and compassion left a lasting moral imprint.
“Roma join in mourning the passing of Pope Francis a loss that deeply saddens our city and the entire world. His legacy of peace and solidarity will remain an enduring example” the club said.
The Italian Football Federation also expressed condolences and described the postponement as a mark of respect for a leader who transcended religious boundaries and contributed to global unity.
New fixture dates for the postponed matches are expected to be confirmed after consultations with clubs and broadcasters.
The league clarified that the remaining Serie A schedule would proceed as planned, subject to national mourning guidelines and coordination with relevant institutions.
This is the first time in recent history that Serie A matches have been delayed due to the passing of a religious figure.
The Vatican has yet to release a full schedule for the mourning period but national observances and tributes are expected to continue throughout the week.
Pope Francis was widely regarded for his commitment to interfaith dialogue social justice and humility during his tenure.
The league said it would continue to coordinate with authorities on any further decisions related to upcoming events and asked fans to stay informed through official communication channels.
