Italian football’s moving gesture to honor Pope Francis

This morning, the world awoke to the news of Pope Francis’ sudden passing at the age of 88, following complications from double pneumonia and despite hopeful signs of convalescence. In a poignant tribute, Italy’s Serie A football league immediately announced the postponement of all scheduled matches for the day, including key fixtures such as Torino vs. Udinese and Parma vs. Juventus, as a mark of respect for the late pontiff.

Like other Italian teams, AS Roma issued a moving statement sharing their sadness of Francis' passing:

For many, this gesture that will affect millions of fans throughout the country and beyond, resonates deeply — not merely as a nod to the Pope's death, but as an acknowledgment of his lifelong passion for the beautiful game.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Pope Francis grew up in the Flores neighborhood, just a stone's throw from the San Lorenzo stadium. An ardent supporter of the San Lorenzo football club, he was not only a fan but also a registered member of the association that owns the club. In 2011, he celebrated Mass in the team's chapel and was presented with a team jersey — a testament to his deep-rooted connection to the sport.

Reflecting on his youth, he once shared memories of playing soccer in the streets of Buenos Aires, emphasizing the camaraderie and sense of fraternity the game fostered. To him, football was more than just a sport; it was a "hymn to life," teaching lessons of unity, perseverance, and joy.

Beyond the football pitch, Pope Francis had a penchant for the whimsical and the joyous. He often spoke of his appreciation for the circus, admiring its blend of artistry, discipline, and the ability to bring smiles to faces young and old. This affinity for the lighter side of life was evident in his interactions with children and his spontaneous moments of humor, reminding the world that faith and joy are not mutually exclusive.

In May 2024, despite health challenges, he inaugurated the "World Children's Day" festival at Rome's Olympic Stadium by symbolically kicking off a soccer match. Flanked by former Italian national team goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, the Pope tapped the match ball and later signed it, engaging with children from over 100 countries and sharing in their laughter and dreams.

Beyond football and the circus, Pope Francis had many other interests, particularly in the field of arts and literature. You're probably aware that he was an avid music lover, particularly of classical repertoire: he singled out Beethoven’s Leonore Overture No. 3 (in a historic Furtwängler recording) and was fond of Wagner’s Ring Cycle operas in Furtwängler’s interpretation. While he was also a fan of Mozart, he appreciated the sacred passions of J.S. Bach, notably the alto aria “Erbarme dich” from the St. Matthew Passion.

But then of course there was the tango! He once confessed, “I like it a lot,” recalling how he and friends danced both the milonga (a faster, older tango form) and traditional tango in his youth.

And literature -- the Pope went so far as to say that novels and poetry are an essential part of future priests' formation, and urged that everyone dive into a good book as it's a way to learn about life, and understand the suffering of others.

The late Pontiff's non-exhaustive lists of interests and pleasures in everyday activities illustrate not only his lighter side, but his philosophy that joy, community, and shared experiences are integral to the human spirit.

And now, as the world mourns his passing, the silence of the stadiums serves as a powerful tribute to a man who understood the unifying power of sport and the importance of finding joy amidst life's challenges.

As we pray for his soul, we might also imagine the Pope Francis tangoing his way up to heaven and maybe even scoring a goal as he makes his way through those Gates of St. Peter!