Pope Franciss Love for Soccer: Italian Serie A Postpones Games in His Honor

Pope Francis, a beloved leader of the Catholic Church and avid soccer fan, passed away on Monday morning at the age of 88. In honor of the late pope, the Italian Serie A soccer league postponed all games scheduled for Monday, including matches between Juventus and Lazio. The league released a statement confirming the postponements but did not announce when the games will be rescheduled. The Vatican released a video on Monday announcing Pope Francis's death, with Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who will serve as the head of the Vatican until a new pope is appointed, confirming that Pope Francis died Monday morning. "At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father," Farrell said. "His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church." The passing of Pope Francis has left a significant impact on the world, and his love for soccer is just one aspect of his legacy that will be remembered. As an avid soccer fan, Pope Francis supported San Lorenzo, one of the oldest clubs in the Argentine Football Association. He hosted the team at the Vatican twice during his papacy and met Argentinian soccer star Diego Maradona twice. During a 2014 meeting, Maradona presented Pope Francis with a No. 10 Francisco jersey, which Maradona wore throughout his playing career. In addition to postponing Monday's Serie A games, the Italian Olympic Committee announced that all sports events played this week will include a moment of silence for Pope Francis. The Vatican is located within Rome, though Vatican City is considered an independent state in Italy. The late pope's dedication to service and his love for soccer will be remembered by many, and the postponement of Serie A games is a testament to his importance and respect for his legacy. As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, we can take comfort in knowing that his spirit will continue to inspire and guide us through his teachings and his passion for the sport he loved so much.