Celtic have confirmed that they will pay tribute to the late Pope Francis ahead of their crucial Scottish Premiership clash with Dundee United on Saturday, following the Pontiff’s passing on Easter Monday.
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis died after suffering a stroke, less than a day after he was seen in a wheelchair leading the Easter address at St Peter’s Square. His death followed a period of ill-health, including a recent five-week hospital stay with double pneumonia.
The Argentine-born Pontiff served as head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 2013. His body is currently lying in state in St Peter’s Basilica, where thousands of mourners have gathered to pay their respects before his funeral on Saturday morning.
In a mark of respect, Celtic will hold a minute’s silence before kick-off at Tannadice, where Brendan Rodgers’ side could secure their fourth consecutive league title if they avoid defeat against Dundee United. The club, with its historic Irish Catholic roots, has often acknowledged significant moments related to the Catholic Church.
Ahead of tomorrow’s match there will be one minutes silence in memory of Pope Francis🇻🇦 pic.twitter.com/M66K31b4yA
— CELTIC FC SLO (@CelticFCSLO) April 25, 2025
The funeral for Pope Francis is scheduled to take place earlier in the day, with the world preparing to bid farewell to the much-loved spiritual leader.
The silence at Tannadice will offer both players and fans the chance to reflect and pay tribute ahead of what could be a defining afternoon in Celtic’s season.
