Monday’s four scheduled matches in the top flight of Italian football have been postponed following the death of Pope Francis.

The Vatican announced on Monday morning that Pope Francis had died at the age of 88, having recently been discharged from hospital following five weeks of treatment for an infection.

Four Serie A matches – Torino v Udinese, Cagliari v Fiorentina, Genoa v Lazio and Parma v Juventus – had been scheduled to be played on Easter Monday, which is a national holiday in Italy.

The governing body which oversees the Italian top flight said the fixtures would be rearranged in due course.

Pope Francis was elected to lead the Catholic Church in 2013, replacing Pope Benedict XVI.

Football fan

The 88-year-old was a known football fan and had supported Argentine side San Lorenzo since he was a child.

A number of Serie A clubs posted tributes to the Pope following his passing.

“A loss that deeply saddens our city and the entire world,” a Roma statement read.

“His faith, his humility, his courage and his dedication have touched the hearts of millions of people, making him a moral reference of our time.”