Pope Francis Remembered by Sports World, Italy Delays Matches/ Newslooks/ 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.
Sports World Mourns Soccer-Loving Pope Francis – Quick Looks
- Italy Postpones Events: All Easter Monday sports, including Serie A games, delayed.
- Serie A Rescheduled: Four top-tier matches will now be played Wednesday.
- Global Tributes: FIFA, San Lorenzo, Nadal, Real Madrid among those honoring Francis.
- Papal Fandom: A lifelong supporter and member of Argentina’s San Lorenzo.
- Connection to Juventus: Ties to Piedmont region fueled speculation of Italian allegiance.
- Athlete Inspiration: Francis often reminded players of their social responsibility.
- Support for Inclusion: He viewed sport as a tool for unity and peace.
- Anti-Corruption Stance: Called for ethical leadership in athletics.
- Iconic Encounters: Met with Maradona, Messi, and other sports legends.
- Legacy Beyond Church: Remembered for blending faith and football passion.
Deep Look: Sports World Remembers Pope Francis, an Avid Soccer Fan
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
Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, expressed his sorrow: “I was privileged to spend time with him. He always emphasized football’s role in society. All the prayers of the whole football world are with him.”
Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal also shared condolences in Spanish, calling Francis’ passing a great loss.
Real Madrid, Europe’s most decorated football club, issued a solemn statement, noting: “Pope Francis represented an enormous spirit of solidarity and support for the most disadvantaged.”
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.
During one Vatican visit in 2014, Maradona gifted the pontiff a jersey with “Francisco” and his famed No. 10 on the back. “I think we all now realize he’s a star,” Maradona later said. “I’m Francis’ top fan.”
When Maradona passed away in 2020, Francis remembered him in prayer, acknowledging 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.
“Dear players, you are very popular,” he said. “People follow you—not just on the field but off it. That’s a social responsibility.”
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
Former Italy national team captain Gianluigi Buffon, who met the pope several times, shared a heartfelt tribute. “Francis was a special pope, able to illuminate in his time like only the greatest can,” Buffon wrote. “He showed us the way with great courage and moved our souls. I will carry his example forever in my heart.”
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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