Serie A stops as the world waits on Pope.

By European Football
April 2 2005

The continuing ill health of his holiness Pope John Paul II has caused all Serie A and B games this weekend to be suspended and tentatively rescheduled for Wednesday April 20, forcing the Coppa Italia ties to be played a week earlier.

There had been calls for the league to be halted should the Pope die, but the calls for suspension had become so numerous, that the Italian FA decided it was time for action stating:

"In the light of the latest medical reports that make clear the imminent death of His Holiness and in respect for the sentiments expressed by the players, Coaches, directors and fans, we have invited the Federations of all Italian sports to immediately suspend all activity planned for this weekend,"