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In Vatican City, a group of elite cyclists participated in a special ride through the city and its gardens as part of the final stage of the Giro d’Italia. The event took place on June 1, 2025, and was a tribute to Pope Francis and his message for the Jubilee Year.
The 159 cyclists from 29 countries passed by Swiss Guards and Vatican police before making a brief stop at the square dedicated to the Roman Protomartyrs next to St. Peter’s Basilica. Accompanied by Franciscan Sister of the Eucharist Raffaella Petrini, President of the office governing Vatican City State, Pope Leo XIV greeted them and shook hands with top-ranking cyclists in each classification.
Pope Leo XIV addressed the athletes: “It is a pleasure to be able to greet you on this last stage of the Giro d’Italia,” he said. “I hope it is truly a beautiful day for all of you.” He emphasized their role as models for young people worldwide due to cycling's popularity.
He further remarked on sports' importance: “Cycling is so important, as is sport in general,” adding that he hoped they would care for both body and spirit. Speaking in English, he blessed them for their final race stage: “Congratulations to all of you, and may you know that you are always welcome here in the Vatican.”
As riders moved through narrow paths towards Vatican Gardens, Colombian cyclist Nairo Quintana had an opportunity to meet with Pope Leo XIV briefly. The three-kilometer course inside Vatican City included inclines and sharp turns but lacked cheering fans.
The idea to include Giro d’Italia within Vatican City emerged in 2021 when Athletica Vaticana became an official member of the International Cycling Union. Bishop Paul Tighe presented this project at Rome’s City Hall on April 29, 2025, honoring Pope Francis’ support ahead of the Jubilee of Sport scheduled for mid-June.
Bishop Tighe explained that this journey through Marian Way aimed not just at tourism but symbolically celebrated global unity and hope during Jubilee celebrations.
Historical connections between Giro d’Italia and Vatican date back decades; St. Paul VI inaugurated a stage from St. Damasus courtyard in 1974 while Pope Pius XII welcomed riders there before another stage start in 1946.
This year’s Giro d’Italia concluded with Simon Yates from Great Britain winning overall after securing victory over Isaac Del Toro from Mexico who claimed best young rider honors alongside second place overall finish.
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