By Obaloluwa Joshua, LAGOS
A one-minute silence will be observed in memory of Pope Francis ahead of all UEFA’S club competition semi-finals taking place next week.
The move is to honour what organisation describes as a ‘beacon of hope for all humanity.’
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 European football ruling body took the decision following Pope Francis’ death on Monday.
“Pope Francis was a beacon of hope for all humanity in these times of war and hardship,” UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said in an official statement.
“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.”
