Italy’s national Olympic committee has formally announced that all athletic activities would be suspended on Saturday, the day of Pope Francis’ funeral, in a passionate response to a tragic loss.  The venerable head of the Catholic Church died on Monday at the age of 88, leaving a legacy entwined with sports, especially soccer, which he had a lifelong passion for.

 The CONI committee submitted its recommendation on Tuesday after the government announced a five-day national mourning period.  They called for a minute of silence to commemorate the Pope during other athletic events across the nation in addition to the halting of events.

Three high-profile serie A matches were scheduled for this Saturday in Italy, including a matchup between league leaders Inter Milan and bitter rivals Roma.  The committee’s request for suspension, however, raises concerns about possible rescheduling of other events later in the week and casts doubt on these planned conflicts.

Following the Pope’s passing, all athletic events scheduled for Monday had already been rearranged, including four Serie A matches that were later moved to Wednesday.  Games were also canceled out of respect in Argentina, the Pope’s native country, echoing this response.

 The globe keeps a careful eye on the country as it grieves, anticipating how sportsmanship will change during this period of introspection and respect.