European soccer to honor Pope
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-04-05 09:16

European soccer's governing body asked teams Monday to honor Pope John Paul II during key games this week.

Pope John Paul II waves to a cheering crowd, 10 June 1987, before mass in Krakow during his visit to Poland. The pope was born the son of an army officer, himself the son of a tailor, in a small town near Krakow in southern Poland. [AFP]

UEFA requested a minute of silence before the start of the Champions League quarterfinals Tuesday and Wednesday and at UEFA Cup games Thursday.

"Pope John Paul II was a great worldwide leader of people and a firm believer in peace," UEFA chief executive Lars-Christer Olsson said. "His work and efforts in this area commanded enormous respect and recognition from people all over the world, no matter their religious beliefs or persuasion."

The tributes at soccer games had begun during league games last weekend.

All soccer games in Italy were called off Sunday while soccer games in Germany started with a moment's silence. All games in Spain were marked with silence at some stadiums and music and prayers at others. Some teams wore black armbands.

The organization overseeing all sports in Italy had called off all weekend events Saturday, hours before the pope died.

Close

Ding Junhui wins World Snooker China Open Luneng beats Shanghai International in opener Lakers defeat Knicks 117-107

Today's Top News     Top Sports News
Border row on agenda for Wen's India visit         Landmark KMT visit garners wide support         Three Gorges reservoir gets quake alarm         Drug crime rise sparks calls for crackdown         US may curb China clothing imports         Brave teacher touches hearts after car crash	European soccer to honor Pope       Miller, Davis named NBA Players of the Week       Spurs sign 'Big Dog' Robinson       Scoring is United weakness: O'Shea       Del Piero wants to close Heysel book       Owen: No disrespect shown