2 weeks Ago By David Robson
A MINUTE's silence was held in honour of Pope Francis at Tannadice this afternoon. Dundee United host Celtic in the Scottish Premiership today in the first league clash since the tragic passing of the pontiff this week. 1 Celtic fan holds a Vatican City flag before the game in Dundee Credit: Reuters The Pope died aged 88 from a cerebral stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure on Easter Monday.
He had been hospitalised for weeks at the Gemelli hospital earlier this year after suffering a bout of bronchitis and double pneumonia. He was discharged on March 23 after the 38-day stay, and was able to bless crowds of worshippers on Easter Sunday. But the Vatican announced his death the following day in the early hours.
read more celtic stories DUNDEE UTD 0 CELTIC 0 Under way with Jota for Idah as Hoops need point for 4th title in row MEGA OFFER Get £50 in free bets to spend on football when you stake £10 with Betfred Brendan Rodgers and his players met Pope Francis back in December 2023 when Celtic were invited to a private audience with the leader of the Catholic church . The Hoops faced Rome-based club Lazio in the Champions League and then visited the Vatican the following day. The Scottish champions expressed their condolences when the news of his tragic passing was announced at the beginning of the week.
A statement read: "Everyone at the club is saddened by this morning 's news and we offer our sincere thoughts and prayers." Most read in Football ON THE MOVE Ex Scotland star Johnny Russell finds new club and he could make debut tonight HUGE DRAMA Late goal sparks INSANE scenes as fans of Scottish Championship side flood pitch MONEY TALKS Rangers won't have 'limitless chequebook' after takeover, warns finance expert PUSH ON VAR audio reveals referee saying Celtic star 'exaggerated' contact before check John Paul Taylor, Celtic's SLO, then stated on X that a tribute will take place before kick-off at Tannadice. The silence was well-observed by both sets of supporters as a pin drop could be heard during Sky Sports' coverage of the game.
Celtic fans then rejoiced in a chant for the late pontiff as thousands of travelling fans could be heard belting out their famous tune 'Papa Francesco' when the game eventually got underway. It could be party time at full-time at Tannadice as the Hoops will make it four-in-a-row should they avoid defeat against Jim Goodwin's men. A win or draw will seal the title for Rodgers' men.
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