{"id":163516,"date":"2025-04-21T22:02:25","date_gmt":"2025-04-21T22:02:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/21\/how-the-sports-world-is-reacting-to-the-death-of-pope-francis\/"},"modified":"2025-04-21T22:02:25","modified_gmt":"2025-04-21T22:02:25","slug":"how-the-sports-world-is-reacting-to-the-death-of-pope-francis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/21\/how-the-sports-world-is-reacting-to-the-death-of-pope-francis\/","title":{"rendered":"How The Sports World Is Reacting to the Death of Pope Francis"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The late Pope Francis<\/strong> was remembered by individuals and organizations from all corners of the sports world following news of his passing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Vatican announced Francis\u2019 death at the age of 88<\/a> on Monday, April 21, after he had been receiving care for double pneumonia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The New York Times<\/i> reported on Monday, April 21, that Francis\u2019 cause of death was ruled as a cerebral stroke<\/a>, followed by a coma and \u201cirreversible cardiocirculatory collapse.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,\u201d a statement from Cardinal Kevin Farrell<\/strong> read. \u201cHis whole life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favor of the poorest and most marginalized.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n Related: <\/span>Celebrities React to Pope Francis\u2019 Death: Read Statements From Stars<\/span><\/a>
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\n\t\t\tCelebrities and world leaders are mourning the death of Pope Francis. The Vatican confirmed on Monday, April 21, that the leader of the Catholic Church had died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. \u201cDear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis,\u201d Cardinal Kevin Farrell, [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Francis had served as the leader of the Catholic Church since 2013.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For how the late Pope was eulogized by the sports world at large, keep reading.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Italian Soccer League Pauses Action<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

Italian soccer league Serie A postponed all of their games scheduled for Monday after Francis\u2019 death.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Francis, the first Latin American leader of the Catholic Church, was a notoriously massive soccer fan.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFollowing the passing of His Holiness, Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A can confirm that today\u2019s league games in Serie A and Primavera 1 have been postponed,\u201d the league said in a statement<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

All games have been rescheduled for Wednesday, April 23. A moment of silence will be held before all Italian sporting events this week, the Olympic Committee announced.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

San Lorenzo Remembers One of Their Biggest Fans<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

San Lorenzo de Almagro, the Argentinian professional soccer team beloved by Francis, paid their respects in a series of social media posts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The organization called Francis \u201cone of ours\u201d in a post shared via Instagram<\/a> on Monday.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In a separate post, the team announced their facilities would be closed until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n Related: <\/span>How Is a New Pope Chosen? Breaking Down the Details of a Conclave<\/span><\/a>
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\n\t\t\tPope Francis\u2019 death marks the end of an era. After 13 years as the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis died at age 88 on Monday, April 21. A statement from the Vatican confirmed that he died in his residence at the Vatican\u2019s Casa Santa Marta. \u201cDear brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

FIFA president Gianni Infantino<\/strong> said he was \u201cdeeply saddened\u201d over the Pope\u2019s death.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was privileged enough to spend some time with him on a couple of occasions, and he always shared his enthusiasm for football and stressed the important role our sport plays in society,\u201d Infantino shared via Instagram<\/a>. \u201cAll the prayers of the whole football world are with him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Lionel Messi<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
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\n Pope Francis and Lionel Messi, 2013.<\/span> Claudio Villa\/Getty Images<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Argentinian soccer superstar Lionel Messi shared a photo from a meeting with Francis, calling him \u201ca different Pope.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThank you for making the world a better place,\u201d Messi, 37, wrote via his Instagram Story<\/a>. \u201cWe will miss you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

John Calipari<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

Arkansas men\u2019s college basketball coach, John Calipari, took to social media after finding out about Francis\u2019 death.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2018I woke up to the news that Pope Francis had passed away at age 88 after fighting pneumonia for sometime,\u201d Calipari, 66, wrote via X<\/a>. \u201cHe was a Pope for social justice for the poor and many firsts. Lived a humble life right to the end and never forgot his roots.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Calipari added, \u201cHe will be missed by all of us Catholics around the world.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

American Professional Sports Teams Pay Homage<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n

The NFL\u2019s New Orleans Saints honored Francis after the team\u2019s recent history with the Pope.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOur sincere prayers and thoughts on the passing of Pope Francis \ud83d\ude4f,\u201d the organization posted via X<\/a> on Monday.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\n Related: <\/span>Where to Stream \u2018Conclave\u2019 After Pope Francis\u2019 Death<\/span><\/a>
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\n\t\t\tLate in 2024, director Edward Berger and screenwriter Peter Straughan\u2019s adaptation of Robert Harris\u2019 novel Conclave became an unexpected hit, grossing an impressive $116.4 million worldwide against a $20 million budget. Conclave was also a contender during the 2025 awards season, including a nomination for Best Picture and an Oscar win for Best Adapted Screenplay. [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The post was accompanied by a picture of Saints owner, Gayle Benson<\/strong>, presenting Francis with a Saints jersey during a trip to the Vatican last year.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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