Lazio in mourning for legendary fan Suor Paola, nun dies at 78

Lazio are in mourning following the death of Suor Paola, the legendary nun who was a passionate supporter of the club in the Eternal City and a regular in the stands.

The news was confirmed by a statement from her beloved club, who noted she was a “fervent religious figure and a proud ambassador of the Lazio style.”

Her real name was Rita D’Auria, but to all she was simply known as Suor Paola, a warm and extremely excitable presence in the stands of the Stadio Olimpico.

Suor Paola was a legend among Lazio fans

She became famous as a regular on the RAI television show Quelli Che Il Calcio… in the 1990s and participated with the Biancocelesti in several charity events over the decades, becoming firm friends with many players, coaches and President Claudio Lotito.

Her charity ‘Solidarietà e Speranza’ worked to help victims of violence, single mothers and long-term prisoners, so at times when Lazio were without a shirt sponsor, they used ‘So.Spe.’ to reference this foundation.

Suor Paola passed away today at the age of 78 after a long illness.

“We will miss her smile, but her humanity will certainly live on in her collaborators, continuing the work that she started,” added the statement.