Following the passing of Pope Francis, Serie A decided to suspend all matches originally scheduled for Monday. This decision reflects deep respect and mourning for the late pontiff, whose influence extended far beyond religious circles. Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the death, emphasizing Pope Francis's lifelong dedication to serving the Church. Serie A has not yet disclosed when the postponed games will be rearranged, but tributes have already begun pouring in from teams like Inter Milan, highlighting his humility and ability to connect with people universally.

On Monday morning, the Vatican delivered somber news through a video statement by Cardinal Kevin Farrell. He revealed that Pope Francis had passed away at 7:35 AM. Farrell expressed how Pope Francis devoted his life entirely to the service of God and His Church. As a result, Serie A promptly acted to postpone their four planned matches involving prominent teams such as Juventus and Lazio. Despite not having a game on Monday, Inter Milan honored the occasion with heartfelt words describing him as someone embodying faith, humility, and dialogue capable of reaching everyone’s heart.

Beyond football, the Italian Olympic Committee joined in solidarity by mandating moments of silence across all sporting events this week in memory of Pope Francis. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he was more than just a spiritual leader; he was an ardent supporter of San Lorenzo, one of Argentina's oldest clubs. During his papacy, Pope Francis invited the team twice to the Vatican and even met legendary Argentinian player Diego Maradona on two occasions. Notably, during their 2014 encounter, Maradona gifted Pope Francis a personalized No. 10 Francisco jersey, symbolizing both men's profound connection to soccer.

As Italy mourns alongside the global community, sports organizations are finding ways to pay tribute to Pope Francis while honoring his legacy. The postponement of matches underscores the significant impact he had on countless lives, transcending borders and unifying individuals under shared values of compassion and understanding.