Luke Davies
All Serie A matches set to take place on Monday (April 21) have been postponed, as per an official statement.
Serie A posted a statement on their social media channels at 9:33 am (BST) on Monday to confirm that the scheduled fixtures – Torino vs Udinese, Cagliari vs Fiorentina, Genoa vs Lazio and Parma vs Juventus – will no longer take place due to the death of Pope Francis.
The statement by Serie A read: “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.”
Pope Francis’ death was announced by Cardinal Kevin Farrell in a statement published by the Vatican on its Telegram channel.
"This morning at 07:35 local time (05:35 GMT) the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father," the statement read.
"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for 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 God, One and Tribune."
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was discharged from the hospital in March after contracting an infection that then led to pneumonia.
As per BBC, he had been prone to lung infections throughout his life due to "developing pleurisy as an adult and having part of one of his lungs removed at age 21".
Just yesterday, he was briefly involved in talks with JD Vance, the Vice President of the U.S.
“I know you have not been feeling great, but it’s good to see you in better health,” Vance told the pope. “Thank you for seeing me.”
Pope Francis had offered Vance three chocolate eggs as an Easter gift for his three children. The 88-year-old also addressed crowds gathered outside the Vatican in St Peter's Square.
It is unclear when the postponed fixtures will be rearranged.