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Before this week's Champions League and UEFA Cup quarter-finals, a minute of silence will be announced to honor the end of the earthly life of Pope John Paul II, as demanded by the UEFA board.
"Pope John Paul II was a great world leader and a strong advocate for peace," UEFA executive director Lars-Christer Olsson said in his statement on Monday.
"His work and efforts in this area command great respect and recognition worldwide, regardless of people's religious beliefs. He led the Roman Catholic Church for 26 years, during a period of great changes and transformations in the world, and he was truly a very special person," Olsson added.
"His loss will be felt by millions, and we must express our respect appropriately."
The pontiff, who in the past played as a goalkeeper, passed away on Saturday after a long illness at the age of 84 in his residence in the Vatican.
A minute of silence will begin all Champions League matches on Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as the UEFA Cup matches taking place on Thursday.
The Pope has received many FIFA delegations over the past 15 years, including all referees before the 1990 World Cup in Italy, as well as the FIFA and Italy's all-star matches played during the centenary celebrations of the Italian Football Federation in 1998.
