Pope Leo XIV Blesses the Cyclists of the Giro d’Italia in the Vatican
Pope Leo XIV received the ‘maglia rosa’ of the Giro d’Italia, blessing the cyclists in a special ceremony inside the Vatican. The pontiff praised the athletes, highlighting their role as role models for the youth.
“Welcome to the Vatican. It is a pleasure to greet you in this final stage of the Giro d’Italia. I hope that for all of you this is truly a beautiful day,” said the pontiff.
Pope Leo XIV
The ceremony was attended by Sister Raffaella Petrini, the first woman to govern the Vatican City State.
Leon XIV, known for his passion for sports, addressed the peloton, highlighting the importance of cycling and thanking the riders for their dedication. He encouraged the athletes to take care of both body and spirit.
“Cycling is as important as sport in general. I thank you for all that you do, you are true role models, and I hope that just as you have learned to take care of the body, you will also do so with the spirit,” he said.
Pope Leo XIV
The Pope imparted his apostolic blessing, marking the beginning of the final stage of the Giro 2025.
The cyclists began to pedal along the Vatican walls, on a 3-kilometer route filled with art, history, and spirituality.
The pontifical stage began near St. Peter’s Basilica, ascending towards the Vatican Gardens, passing by the ‘Mater Ecclesiae’ monastery and the Grotto of Lourdes, before exiting through the Perugino Gate.
Once in Italian territory, the final stage of the competition officially began, with the British Simon Yates (Visma Lease a Bike) as the virtual champion.
The idea of the Giro crossing the pontifical state arose in 2021, after the recognition of the ‘Athletica Vaticana’ as a member of the International Cycling Union.
This stage served as a prelude to the Jubilee of Sport, which will bring together athletes and fans in Rome on June 14 and 15.
Throughout history, popes have shown interest in cycling, with events such as the reception of the Giro d’Italia peloton by Pius XII in 1946 and the inauguration of the competition by Paul VI in 1974.
