All four Serie A matches scheduled for Easter Monday have been postponed following the death of Pope Francis.
Grassroots Parrot had reported the death of Pope early Monday morning at the age of 88, according to an announcement from the Vatican.
The fixtures were set to begin at 11:30am BST, with Torino hosting Udinese in the opening match. Later in the day, Cagliari were due to play Fiorentina, followed by Lazio vs Genoa, and Juventus’s visit to Parma as the final game of the day.
These matches will now be rescheduled, with new dates and times to be confirmed.
In an official statement, Lega Serie A said: “Following the passing of His Holiness, Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A can confirm that today’s league games in Serie A and Primavera 1 have been postponed. The date of the rearranged fixtures will be announced in due course.”
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The announcement of Pope Francis’s passing was made by the Camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who stated:
“Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage, and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.
“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 the One and Triune God.”