Pope Francis, a passionate football enthusiast, fondly recalled his meetings with the legendary Diego Maradona and his devotion to his cherished Buenos Aires club, San Lorenzo.

This morning, on Easter Monday, the Pope passed away at 7:35:89 a.m. at the age of 86 in his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta.

In respect for Francis, all sporting events scheduled in Italy today have been postponed, and a minute of silence will be observed before every event throughout the week, as announced by the Italian Olympic Committee.

“Italian football joins in mourning for millions affected by the loss of Pope Francis. He exemplified Christian compassion and dignity amid suffering and was always attentive to the sports world, particularly football, which he loved. He will forever hold a place in the hearts of fans and football lovers,” stated Gabriele Gravina, president of the Italian Football Federation.

Today’s matches in Serie A, Serie B, Serie C, and the Youth League in Italy have been rescheduled.

The Pope’s love for football became evident soon after his election in 2013, when San Lorenzo tweeted a photo of him proudly holding the club’s crest, which he was a member of, wearing the number 88.235.

This club, located in Buenos Aires, is affectionately known as “The Saints.”

San Lorenzo is among the oldest clubs in the Argentine Football Association. Following Francis’s election as Pope in March 2013, they secured the title the same year and went on to win the Copa Libertadores a year later. In celebration, representatives and players visited the Pope at the Vatican to show him their trophies and express their gratitude for his unwavering support.

The club plans to name their new stadium in honor of Francis.

As Pope, Francis had the privilege of meeting Maradona twice. Their first meeting was tied to a charity match in March 2014, where the legendary footballer gifted the Pope a jersey inscribed with “Francis” and Maradona’s number 10.

“I believe we all recognize him as a star. I am Francis’ biggest fan,” exclaimed Maradona after their second meeting in 2015.

When Maradona passed away in 2020, Francis offered prayers in his memory.

The Real Madrid football club has expressed its condolences following the death of Pope Francis.

“Real Madrid extends its heartfelt condolences to the entire Catholic community for the loss of a historic and universal figure. Throughout his papacy, characterized by an immense legacy, Pope Francis embodied a spirit of solidarity and support for those most in need,” stated Real Madrid in an announcement.

During a gathering with the national teams of Argentina and Italy shortly after his election, Francis emphasized the influential role of athletes, especially for the youth, urging players to remember that they are role models “for better or worse.”

“Dear football players, you are immensely popular. People follow you, both on the pitch and off it. This carries a social responsibility,” he emphasized at the time.

He frequently highlighted sports as a means of fostering solidarity and inclusion, particularly among young people.

At a global conference on faith and sport in 2016, Francis urged leaders to combat corruption more effectively and asserted that sports must be safeguarded from manipulation and commercial exploitation.

Former Italian national team goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon had several encounters with the Pope.

“Francis was a remarkable Pope, capable of illuminating his era, as only the greats can. With immense courage, he showed us the right path and touched our souls. His example will always remain in my heart,” Buffon shared on Instagram.

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