Nigeria, April 21 -- Serie A has officially announced the postponement of all first and second-tier league matches scheduled for today in response to the death of Pope Francis.

In a statement shared across its social media platforms, the Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A stated:

"Following the passing of His Holiness, the Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A confirms that today's matches in Serie A and Primavera 1 have been postponed. A new date for the rescheduled fixtures will be announced in due course."

In total, 14 matches have been postponed-four from Serie A and ten from the second division-as a gesture of respect and mourning for the Pope, who passed away at the age of 88.

According to Vatican News, Cardinal Kevin Farrell...