Pope Francis Remembered by Sports World, Italy Delays Matches/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The death of Pope Francis, an avid soccer supporter, sparked widespread tributes from the global sports community. Italy postponed all Easter Monday sports events, including four Serie A matches, while clubs and athletes—from San Lorenzo to Rafael Nadal—honored the pontiff’s passion for sport and solidarity. His legacy extended beyond faith, touching the hearts of fans and players alike.
ROME — The sports world paused Monday in tribute to Pope Francis, a lifelong soccer fan and global spiritual figure, whose death at age 88 led Italy to postpone all Easter Monday sporting events—including four top-flight Serie A soccer matches.
The Italian league confirmed that the affected games—Torino vs. Udinese, Cagliari vs. Fiorentina, Genoa vs. Lazio, and Parma vs. Juventus—will now be held on Wednesday. The Italian Olympic Committee added that a minute of silence will be observed at all sports events later in the week to honor the late pontiff.
Francis’ love for soccer was well known throughout his papacy. It became evident to the world when Argentina’s San Lorenzo, the club he supported since childhood, proudly shared a photo of the newly elected pope holding their team crest in 2013. He was not just a fan but an official member—San Lorenzo ID No. 88,235.
Nicknamed “the Saints,” San Lorenzo paid tribute on social media, writing, “He was always one of us,” and recalling how a young Francis watched their 1946 championship team. Under his papacy, the club saw one of its most successful periods, winning the Argentine league in 2013 and the prestigious Copa Libertadores in 2014. On both occasions, club officials visited the Vatican to present trophies and thank him for his support. A new stadium currently under construction is slated to be named in his honor.
Global Sports Community Responds
Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal also shared condolences in Spanish, calling Francis’ passing a great loss.
Personal Ties to Italian Sports
Though Francis was a lifelong supporter of San Lorenzo, his Italian heritage—his father hailed from Piedmont—led many to speculate he had a soft spot for Juventus, the Turin-based club. His father, Mario Bergoglio, was also known to be a basketball enthusiast, highlighting the family’s deep ties to athletics.
Relationship with Sports Icons
Pope Francis met with Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona multiple times during his papacy.
When Maradona passed away in 2020, Francis remembered him in prayeracknowledging the impact the soccer legend had made globally.
Spiritual Views on Sport
More than just a fan, Francis frequently spoke about the value of sport as a force for good. In his address to the Argentina and Italy national teams shortly after becoming pope, he reminded athletes of their powerful role in society.
In a 2016 global conference on faith and sport, Francis called on leaders to uphold ethical standards in athletics. He emphasized that sports must be protected from corruption and commercial exploitation, urging that youth and inclusiveness remain at its heart.
Final Farewell from a Player’s Perspective
As one of the most beloved popes of modern times, Pope Francis leaves behind not just a spiritual legacy, but a sporting one—rooted in joy, solidarity, and humility. From Vatican City to San Lorenzo’s stadium, and across the world’s fields and courts, his spirit will continue to inspire fans and athletes alike.
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