Buffon pays tribute to Pope Francis: ‘He showed us the way’ | OneFootball

Italy and Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon is one of several leading figures from the world of Italian football who have paid their respects to the late Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday.

The Pope died in the Vatican at the age of 88 on Monday.

As a result, all football matches at every level and youth level of the Italian pyramid that had been scheduled to take place on Monday have been postponed until further notice. There is a chance that the Coppa Italia semi-final second legs scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday are pushed back as well.

Buffon pays tribute to late Pope Francis

HARRISON, NEW JERSEY – MARCH 24: Gianluigi Buffon of Italy arrives before the International Friendly match between Ecuador and Italy at Red Bull Arena on March 24, 2024 in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

The majority of Serie A clubs have issued statements expressing their condolences following the news of the Pope’s death, as have a number of leading figures from the world of Calcio.

Buffon is among the latest, taking to his social media platforms to offer a few words of remembrance.

He wrote: “Francesco was a special Pope, one who illuminated time as only the greatest can.

“He was a spiritual and moral reference point, who always spoke to the heart of the world with simplicity, humanity and strength.

“He showed us the way with great courage and shook our souls. I will carry his example in my heart forever.”