Serie A was the first to cancel all matches scheduled for the afternoon and evening.
The matches in question in the top Italian league are Torino–Udinese, Cagliari–Fiorentina, Genoa–Lazio, and Parma-Juventus.
It is unclear when the matches will be played.
Shortly after, the decision was made by the Italian Football Association to postpone all matches in Italy scheduled for Monday. This also applies to amateur football, according to AFP.
In a statement, the association honors Pope Francis with the words:
"A model of Christian charity and dignity in suffering, always close to the world of football".
Pope Francis, who turned 88, was very interested in football. The Argentine's favorite team was San Lorenzo in Buenos Aires, which he followed live with his father and brothers when he was young.
Even after being elected Pope, he retained his membership in the club. With the help of a guard from the Swiss Guard, he kept himself updated on how San Lorenzo was doing. The guard made sure the Pope received results and tables.
In the Vatican, Francis also received several famous players – such as Maradona, Lionel Messi, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic – and signed match jerseys.
