Pope Leo XIV Blesses Giro d’Italia Cyclists Inside Vatican for First Time

Pope Leo XIV blessed the 159 cyclists competing in the final stage of the Giro d’Italia as the race made history by passing inside the Vatican walls for the first time. The peloton rode a three-kilometer route through the Vatican Gardens and around St. Peter’s Basilica during a neutralized zone before the official start, with overall leader Simon Yates and other classification leaders dismounting to personally greet the Pope and present him with a replica pink leader's jersey. The passage inside the Vatican was originally intended to honor Pope Francis during the 2025 Holy Year, but after his death, Pope Leo, the first American pope, chose to commemorate the event in Francis' memory. In his blessing, Leo emphasized the cyclists' role as role models for young people worldwide and extended a warm welcome to the Vatican, underscoring the church’s message of love and care. This unique moment combined the spiritual heritage of the Vatican with the Grand Tour’s sporting tradition, highlighting the athletes' influence beyond competition. The final stage concluded with a circuit through downtown Rome, where Yates secured his second grand tour victory.