The sports world is in mourning after the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Monday at the age of 88. The pontiff, known for his deep passion for football, left behind a legacy that transcended religion, touching hearts across the globe, especially in the world of sports. His death has led to a wave of tributes from football clubs, players, and sports organizations, all honoring the man who was not only the leader of the Catholic Church but also a devoted fan of the beautiful game.
Football Matches Postponed in Italy and Argentina
In a sign of respect, major football events in both Italy and Argentina were postponed in the wake of Pope Francis’ death. In Italy, all scheduled sports events for Easter Monday, including four Serie A matches, were called off. Torino vs. Udinese, Cagliari vs. Fiorentina, Genoa vs. Lazio, and Parma vs. Juventus will now be played on Wednesday, giving fans and players alike a moment to reflect on the pope’s impact.
Similarly, in Argentina, where Pope Francis’ support for local football clubs was well known, three top-flight matches were delayed. Tigre vs. Belgrano, Argentinos Juniors vs. Barracas Central, and Independiente Rivadavia vs. Aldosivi were all rescheduled to Tuesday. In both countries, the games will begin with a minute of silence in tribute to the pontiff.
A Pope Who Loved Football
Pope Francis’ love for football was no secret. Born in Buenos Aires, he was a lifelong supporter of the Argentine club San Lorenzo. The team paid tribute to their most famous fan, as did the global football community. Francis was not just a casual follower—he was a card-carrying member of the club, with San Lorenzo ID No. 88,235. This connection to his beloved club remained a significant part of his identity throughout his papacy.
His passion for football extended beyond his own club allegiance. Pope Francis was a frequent advocate for the role of sport in society. He believed that football, like all sports, had the power to unite people from diverse backgrounds and create opportunities for social change. His influence reached far beyond the Vatican, and his support for the sport earned him admiration from some of the world’s top football figures.
Tributes Pour In from the Sports World
FIFA president Gianni Infantino was among the first to offer his condolences, expressing his deep sadness at the loss. “I was privileged enough to spend some time with him on a couple of occasions, and he always shared his enthusiasm for football,” Infantino said on Instagram. “All the prayers of the whole football world are with him.”
International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach also honored the pope’s legacy, calling him “a great friend and supporter of the Olympic movement.” Bach highlighted Francis’ unwavering commitment to peace, solidarity, and refugee initiatives, all of which were at the heart of the Olympic Games’ mission. “His support for the peace and solidarity mission of the Olympic Games and the many refugee initiatives of the IOC has been unwavering,” Bach said.
A Lasting Legacy in the Football World
Pope Francis’ connection to football was more than just fandom—it was a symbol of his belief in sport’s power to transcend borders and bring people together. From holding up the San Lorenzo team crest in 2013 to publicly expressing his love for the game, the pope made it clear that football was an integral part of his life. His passing leaves a hole in the hearts of those who admired him not only for his spiritual leadership but also for his deep appreciation of football as a unifying force.
As the world continues to mourn his loss, football clubs, players, and fans around the globe will no doubt carry on his legacy of passion, unity, and hope.
