The world of sport fell silent on Easter Monday because the dying of Pope Francis, 88, despatched a wave of grief throughout stadiums and continents.
Revered not simply because the non secular chief of over a billion Catholics however as a loyal soccer fan, Francis’ passing triggered the postponement of main sporting occasions in Italy and Argentina, with tributes pouring in from athletes, golf equipment, and governing our bodies worldwide.
In Italy, the Italian Olympic Committee suspended all Easter Monday fixtures, together with 4 Serie A clashes: Torino vs. Udinese, Cagliari vs. Fiorentina, Genoa vs. Lazio, and Parma vs. Juventus.
These matches will now be performed on Thursday, with a minute of silence to precede all video games this week.
Argentina adopted go well with. The nation’s soccer affiliation delayed three top-tier matches – Tigre vs. Belgrano, Argentinos Juniors vs. Barracas Central, and Independiente Rivadavia vs. Aldosivi – transferring them to Tuesday in honor of the Argentine-born pope.
Tributes from icons
FIFA President Gianni Infantino led international tributes, recalling his private encounters with the pope:
“He always shared his enthusiasm for football and stressed the role our sport plays in society. All the prayers of the football world are with him.”
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal expressed “sincere condolences” in Spanish on X, becoming a member of a worldwide refrain of mourning.
San Lorenzo’s saint
To the devoted of San Lorenzo, Pope Francis wasn’t only a supporter – he was household.
A registered member (ID No. 88,235), he grew up cheering for the membership’s 1946 champions.
After his election in 2013, San Lorenzo captured the nationwide title and, in 2014, the Copa Libertadores.
Both trophies had been personally delivered to him on the Vatican by membership officers.
Now, a brand new stadium in Buenos Aires is ready to bear his identify.
“He was always one of us,” San Lorenzo posted on Instagram, with an image of the pope proudly holding the membership’s crest.
The Maradona connection
Francis met Diego Maradona twice.
Their first encounter in 2014 was marked by Maradona gifting a jersey labeled “Francisco” together with his iconic No. 10.
“I think we all now realize he’s a star,” Maradona mentioned afterward. “I’m Francis’ top fan.”
Following Maradona’s 2020 dying, Francis prayed for his countryman – a testomony to their non secular and sporting bond.
Messi, Buffon, Madrid be a part of refrain
Lionel Messi, in a heartfelt put up, referred to as Francis a “different, approachable pope.”
“Thank you for making the world a better place. We will miss you.”
Real Madrid, the 15-time European champion, honored the pontiff’s legacy of supporting the susceptible.
Gianluigi Buffon, Italy’s legendary goalkeeper, wrote:
“Francis illuminated his era like only the greatest can. He moved our souls. I’ll carry his example forever in my heart.”
People’s Pope
Francis, whose father Mario was a basketball participant and whose roots hint to Juventus’ native Piedmont, believed deeply within the ethical function of sport. He usually urged athletes to embrace their affect:
“People follow you – on and off the field. That’s a social responsibility.”
At the 2016 international summit on religion and sport, Francis denounced corruption and business exploitation, insisting that sport should stay a instrument for inclusion, unity, and youth empowerment.
Source: www.dailysabah.com