Serie A's mark of respect for Pope
Saturday, April 2, 2005
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The weekend's Serie A fixtures have been postponed as a mark of respect for Pope John Paul II.
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The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) said on Saturday that all Italian sports competitions, including Serie A, would be suspended over of the weekend out of respect for Pope John Paul II, who died after the annoucement.
'Respect feelings'
"In light of the latest health bulletins which indicate that the Holy Father's death is inevitable and imminent, and to respect the feelings of athletes, coaches, managers and fans ... I have invited all sports federations to immediately suspend activities," said Giovanni Petrucci, the head of CONI which oversees all Italian sports, before the Pope's death on Saturday evening. The postponed Serie A fixtures are expected to be rescheduled for 20 April.
Poland prayers
In Poland, the country of the Pope's birth, prayers will be held for him before football matches this weekend. "Due to the critical state of Pope John Paul's health, the PZPN [Polish Football Association] decided this weekend's first and second division matches will be preceded by prayers by the players, coaches, referees and fans," the PZPN said in a statement. Several matches have also been postponed.
