The Italian Almanac

Italian News / Sport - April 3

All Italian sports competitions including Serie A soccer have been suspended out of respect for Pope John Paul, who is on the brink of death, the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) said yesterday.

“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 CONI head Giovanni Petrucci.