BREAKING: Pope Francis death sees Italy football chiefs make bombshell decision

Serie A have postponed all four games scheduled to take place on Easter Monday following the death of Pope Francis. The Vatican announced the death of the 88-year-old pontiff early on Monday morning.

A league statement read: "Following the passing of His Holiness, Lega Nazionale Professionisti Serie A can confirm that today's league games in Serie A and Primavera 1 have been postponed. The date of the rearranged fixtures will be announced in due course."

The Pope's death was announced by the Carmalengo. Cardinal Farrell said in a statement: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.

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"At 7:35 this morning (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.

"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.

"With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”

Pope Francis recently approved plans for his funeral, with the Bishop of Rome to be buried in a simple wooden coffin lined with zinc. He has also scrapped the tradition of placing the Pope's body on a raised platform in St Peter's Basilica for public viewing.

Instead, mourners will be invited to pay their respects while his body remains inside the coffin, with the lid removed. He will also become first Pope in more than 100 years to be buried outside the Vatican, with the Basilica of St Mary Major selected as his final resting place.