Italian matches cancelled as a mark of respect to dying Pope

ROME (AFP) — All Italian first and second division matches have been cancelled this weekend, the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) said, as a mark of respect to Pope John Paul II who is close to death.

CONI, Italy's highest sports authority, suspended all events in all sports out of respect for the seriously ill pope.

Sports federations in this football-crazed country were expected to follow CONI's diplomatically-worded "appeal."

"In view of the medical bulletins which underline the inevitable and imminent death of the Holy Father and in respect of the feelings of the athletes, technicians, executives and supporters," CONI boss Giovanni Petrucci urged Italy's sports federations to ...