Overview

• US Avellino 1912 secured promotion to Serie B on Holy Saturday with a 2–1 victory over Sorrento Calcio.
• Two days later, Pope Francis died at age 88 of a stroke, as confirmed by the Vatican.
• This event continues a pattern observed since 1958, where the club’s promotions align with papal deaths or transitions, often referred to as the ‘papal curse.’
• The only deviation from this pattern occurred in 1963 when the club was relegated to Serie D during Pope John XXIII’s death.
• Pope Francis had blessed and signed a US Avellino jersey months before his passing, further intertwining the club with Catholic symbolism.