- The passing of Pope Francis at the age of 88 was announced on Easter Monday morning.
- The football club favored by the late Pope has led the tributes following the announcement.
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Pope Francis His favorite football team has paid an emotional tribute following his passing. Easter Monday morning.
Confirmed by the Vatican, the first-ever Latin American pontiff died at the age of 88 - with all football matches scheduled for Monday postponed as a mark of respect.
Originating from Buenos Aires, Argentina, the Pope consistently supported his hometown club, San Lorenzo, throughout his life, as they compete at the highest level domestically.
Shortly after confirming his death, the club turned to social media to post a heartfelt tribute to the deceased Bishop of Rome.
On X , they wrote: ' He was never merely one of us, but always part of our midst. Cuervo as a child and as an adult... Cuervo as a priest and Cardinal... Cuervo even as Pope...
He consistently shared his enthusiasm for Ciclon: whether he was attending matches of the '46 team at the Viejo Gasómetro, confirming Angelito Correa at the Ciudad Deportiva chapel, or welcoming Barcelona guests at the Vatican, he did so with complete joy... Member No. 88235.
From Jorge Mario Bergoglio to Francis, his affection for the Cyclone remained constant.
'Wrapped in deep sorrow, from #SanLorenzo today we say to Francis: Goodbye, thank you, and farewell! We will be together for eternity!'
Legendary football coach Jose Mourinho also offered a touching tribute to the late Pope, taking to Instagram to share a picture of Francis along with a message.
He penned: "To achieve greatness, foremost you must learn to become humble. True grandeur stems from humility."
Pope Francis [heart emoji] Hope shines as a beacon in the darkness. Great Pope.
Following the declaration of Pope Francis’ demise, church bells rang throughout the bell towers of Rome. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who serves as the Vatican camerlengo, announced his death at the chapel of Domus Santa Marta, the place where Francis resided.
"At 7:35 this morning, Pope Francis returned to the house of the Father. Throughout his life, he devoted himself entirely to serving the Lord and his Church," he stated.
He guided us to embrace the principles of the Gospel with devotion, bravery, and inclusive compassion, particularly towards those who are least fortunate and most excluded.
'In deep appreciation of his exemplary role as a genuine follower of the Lord Jesus, we entrust the soul of Pope Francis to the boundless, compassionate love of God, who is both one and ruler.'
Following the Pope’s passing, a statement was issued shortly afterwards. Serie A After the departure of the Holy Father, the Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A has decided to postpone today’s fixtures in the Serie A Enilive and Primavera 1 championships to a later date to be confirmed.
Four Serie A matches were scheduled for Easter Monday, beginning with Torino vs Udinease at 11:30 am BST.
After that match came Cagliari against Fiorentina at 2 pm, followed by Genoa facing Lazio at 5 pm, with Parma also scheduled for a game. Juventus (7.45pm) concluding the action.
The late Pope was a big football fan during his life and had many interactions with famous stars and legendary players.
Following his passing, the Pope included Maradona in his prayers and called him the 'bard of football,' acknowledging his remarkable career during which he led Argentina to victory at the 1986 World Cup.
In 2013, Lionel Messi and the Pope swapped presents. The subsequent year, Messi guided Argentina to the World Cup finale.
He also greeted Pep Guardiola during a private audience with his Bayern Munich team in 2014, and Germany's players - including Thomas Muller - visited him in 2016, two years after winning the World Cup.
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