Top-tier football matches in both Italy and Argentina were postponed on Monday following the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88.
In Buenos Aires, the football club San Lorenzo—beloved by the Argentine pontiff since childhood—joined countless others in mourning one of its most devoted fans.
Across the sporting world, tributes poured in to honour the late pope’s deep-rooted love for the game. All Easter Monday sports events in Italy were suspended, including four Serie A fixtures: Torino vs. Udinese, Cagliari vs. Fiorentina, Genoa vs. Lazio, and Parma vs. Juventus. These matches have been rescheduled for Wednesday.
Similarly, three top-flight games in Argentina—Tigre vs. Belgrano, Argentinos Juniors vs. Barracas Central, and Independiente Rivadavia vs. Aldosivi—were pushed to Tuesday. Each of the matches will begin with a minute of silence in memory of Francis, who once served as Archbishop of Buenos Aires before becoming pope.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino expressed his sorrow, sharing: “I was privileged enough to spend some time with him on a couple of occasions, and he always shared his enthusiasm for football and stressed the important role our sport plays in society.”
Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, also paid tribute: “We are losing a great friend and supporter of the Olympic movement,” noting the pope’s steadfast backing of the Games’ mission for peace and solidarity.
Pope Francis’ connection to football became widely known after his election in 2013, when San Lorenzo posted a photo of him proudly holding the club’s crest. A lifelong supporter, he even held official club membership under ID No. 88,235. Fondly nicknamed “the Saints,” San Lorenzo reflected on Instagram, “He was always one of us,” recalling how the young Jorge Bergoglio had cheered on the 1946 championship squad.
Following his papal election, the club experienced a golden period—clinching a national title in 2013 and capturing the prestigious Copa Libertadores in 2014. San Lorenzo officials twice visited the Vatican, bearing trophies in gratitude for the Pope’s support.
