On April 21, Italy paused one of its greatest passions—football—as news broke of the passing of Pope Francis.

The decision to cancel all domestic championship matches was announced swiftly, showing the deep respect and national mourning for the late pontiff.

A Day of Silence in the Football World

Fans expecting to tune into Serie A action were met with silence instead.

Several matches scheduled for Sunday, April 21, were officially called off out of reverence for Pope Francis’ passing. The games affected included:

Torino vs. Udinese
Cagliari vs. Fiorentina
Genoa vs. Lazio
Parma vs. Juventus

The Italian football league made the announcement on its official site, emphasizing the significance of the moment not just for the Catholic community, but for the entire country.

A Peaceful Farewell in the Vatican

Pope Francis passed away peacefully at the age of 89 at his residence, Casa Santa Marta, in Vatican City.

The announcement of his death was confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history as the first Latin American pope.

His legacy was deeply rooted in compassion, humility, and an unwavering dedication to the marginalized.

A Historic Papacy That Broke Traditions

Elected in March 2013 after Pope Benedict XVI resigned due to health concerns, Francis quickly became known as a “people’s pope.”

He wasn’t just the first Jesuit pope—he was also the first leader of the Catholic Church from the Southern Hemisphere, and the first from outside Europe in more than 1,200 years.

A former archbishop of Buenos Aires, Francis had spent decades guiding the Catholic Church through turbulent times, including Argentina’s economic crises and social upheavals.

He was elevated to cardinal in 2001 by Pope John Paul II, but even before that, his work in education, faith, and social justice had earned him deep respect.

Football Was Close to His Heart

Despite his global role, Pope Francis never forgot his roots—including his love for football.

He was a passionate supporter of San Lorenzo, a club based in his hometown of Buenos Aires.

His enthusiasm for the sport was well-known, and he often spoke about how football could bring people together across cultures and backgrounds.

A Nation in Mourning, a Church in Transition

With the world reacting to the news of his death, Italy’s decision to cancel its football matches reflects the Pope’s influence far beyond the Church.

As tributes pour in from every corner of the globe, Italians—like many others—are pausing to honor a man who led with kindness, courage, and humility.