UEFA to honour Pope Francis with one-minute silence in Champions League semifinals | OneFootball

UEFA has announced that a one-minute silence will be observed in memory of Pope Francis ahead of all club competition semifinals taking place next week, as European football honours what the organisation describes as a ‘beacon of hope for all humanity.’

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN – OCTOBER 22: Pope Francis holds a gift of FC Bayern Muenchen during an private audience with the team of FC Bayern Muenchen in the Palace of the Vatican on October 22, 2014 in Vatican City, Vatican. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Bongarts/Getty Images)

UEFA announces minute of silence in memory of Pope Francis across all club competitions

The moment of reflection will take place before the first legs of the men’s Champions League semifinals, scheduled between April 29 and May 1, and will also be held ahead of this week’s Youth League, UEFA Women’s Champions League, Europa League and Conference League semifinals.

The list of games involved includes Inter and Fiorentina’s clashes at Barcelona and Betis Sevilla, respectively.

The decision comes in the wake of Pope Francis’ passing on Monday, prompting heartfelt tributes from leaders around the world — including UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, who praised the Pope’s enduring legacy in an official statement.

“Pope Francis was a beacon of hope for all humanity in these times of war and hardship,” Ceferin said.

“A humanity that will now remain orphaned of that voice – tireless and powerful – that always rose in defence of the poor, the humble, and the vulnerable to call for respect, acceptance, and equality and to implore a peace that always seemed distant, yet ever more longed for by the heart of the world.”

A one-minute silence was also held before all Serie A and Coppa Italia matches played this week. Additionally, fixtures originally scheduled for Saturday have been postponed to ensure that no professional games take place on the day of Pope Francis’ funeral, which will be held in Rome on Saturday morning.