Serie A postpones all fixtures following the unfortunate demise of Pope Francis

Following the unfortunate demise of Pope Francis on the occasion of Easter, all football fixtures in Italy have been halted. This has been a mark of respect for the first-ever Latin American Pope.

As per reports from the Vatican, the Pope breathed his last at the age of 88. All the matches in Italy have been called off in the Italian top division.

Serie A fixtures called off

In honour of the Bishop of Rome, all senior men's and Under-20 top-flight matches have been suspended. Four Serie A fixtures were scheduled for Easter Monday, starting with Torino facing Udinese. This would be followed by Cagliari against Fiorentina, Genoa taking on Lazio, and concluding with Parma versus Juventus.

Three U20 fixtures were also halted, including Roma U20 vs Udinese U20, Monza U20s vs Sassuolo U20s and Sampdoria U20s and Torino U20s.

"Following the passing of the Holy Father, the Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A announces that the matches scheduled for today of the Serie A Enilive and Primavera 1 Championships are postponed to a date to be determined." Serie A statement

Pope Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 for a respiratory crisis that progressed to double pneumonia. He was hospitalised for 38 days. He had a history of chronic lung disease and underwent partial lung removal in his youth.

"At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church," said Cardinal Kelvin.

"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised," he added.

'With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune.' added Cardinal Kelvin.

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