All Italian sports competitions including Serie A soccer have been suspended out of respect for Pope John Paul, who is on the brink of death, the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) said on Saturday. "In light of the latest health bulletins which indicate that the Holy Father's death is inevitable and imminent, and to respect the feelings of athletes, coaches, managers and fans...I have invited all sports federations to immediately suspend activities," said Giovanni Petrucci, the head of CONI which oversees all Italian sports.
In Poland, the country of the Pope's birth, prayers will be held for him before football matches this weekend.
"Due to the critical state of Pope John Paul's health, the PZPN decided this weekend's first and second division matches will be preceded by prayers by the players, coaches, referees and fans," the Polish Football Association (PZPN) said in a statement.
Several matches have also been postponed.
The Vatican said the Pope, whose long declining health took an abrupt turn for the worse on Thursday, remained in very serious condition.
The Italian Football League said the postponed Serie A and B games would be played next week with a midweek round of games on April 20 taking up the extra round of games.
CONI's decision was welcomed by Italian soccer coaches and team officials.
"I think it is the right thing to do," said Carlo Ancelotti, coach of Italian champions AC Milan whose team were due to play at home to Brescia on Saturday.
"There is apprehension for the Pope in all the world - catholic and not. I believe this is a form of necessary respect from the world of sport towards a person who has done so much to make the world a better place," he said.
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