The Italian government have announced that Saturday’s fixtures in Serie A will be suspended due to the funeral of Pope Francis after his passing on Easter Monday morning.
Confirmed by the Vatican, the first-ever Latin American pontiff died at the age of 88.
There were four Serie A games scheduled for Monday, but they were subsequently postponed as a mark of respect. The clashes have since been rearranged for Wednesday afternoon.
And, in further tribute to the Bishop of Rome, Saturday’s fixtures in the Italian top flight will also be postponed.
There were three fixtures scheduled for that day: Como vs Genoa, Inter Milan vs Roma and Lazio vs Parma.
Nello Musumeci, the Italian Minister for Civil Protection and Sea Policies told reporters: ‘Saturday’s games won’t go ahead.’
Three football matches in Serie A have been called off on Saturday due Pope Francis’ funeral
The Vatican confirmed on Easter Monday morning that the Pope had passed away aged 88
Three games, including Inter Milan vs Roma, have been moved from Saturday to Sunday
The matches are expected to take place on Sunday instead.
Pope Francis’ funeral will be held on Saturday in St. Peter’s Square, Roman Catholic cardinals decided on Tuesday, and the ceremony will be attended by several world leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Other funeral arrangements will be confirmed over the coming days.
Meanwhile, in a statement released shortly following the Pope’s death on Monday, Serie A had said: ‘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.’
After the announcement of his passing, bells tolled in church towers across Rome. His death was read out by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, where Francis lived.
‘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,’ he said.
‘He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.
Pope Francis is given a Napoli shirt by club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis (bottom left) in 2023
‘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.’
Pope Francis, who suffered from chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man, was admitted to Gemelli hospital on February 14 for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia.
He spent 38 days there, the longest hospital stay of his 12-year papacy.
However, he emerged on Easter Sunday – a day before his death – to bless thousands of people in St Peter’s Square and treat them to a surprise Popemobile tour of the piazza, drawing wild cheers and applause.